A shortage of internationals puts Athletic to the test

This week coach Edin Terzic has not been able to train seven of his Athletic players because they have been called up by their national teams. Three of them are part of the Spanish national team, world champions, and were key in winning the title.

Unai Simón and Laporte were undisputed starters in the tournament held in the summer. Nico Williams proved decisive in the final of the same championship.

Absences in other national teams

Terzic also has not been able to count on Padilla and Djaló, who are with Mexico and China‑Bisáu. Likewise, he also does not have Canales and Christian Imga, who will take part in the U‑17 World Cup in Qatar.

The winger, Nico Williams, is considered essential for the Spanish youth national team to win the only title that the Roja still lacks. Since yesterday, the German coach also does not have the four players who will play tomorrow in the Euskal Selekzioa‑Venezuela match at San Mamés.

When a FIFA window arrives, most Athletic players leave, leaving the club with a reduced squad, similar to that of other teams. This situation is interpreted as a good sign of the group's quality, although it also highlights the negative side of injuries.

Athletic knows this especially in the case of Nico Williams. Players always want to compete in international tournaments such as the Euro Cup or the World Cup, but the club considers it necessary to establish measures that guarantee significant compensation.