Injury doubts and rotation test Athletic before Real Sociedad derby
In the early hours at Lezama, the training ground buzzed as coach Ernesto Terzic surveyed his squad, aware that midfielder Íñigo Ruiz de Galarreta’s injury and the fitness of Oihan Sancet, with Gerenabarrena already on standby, cast shadows over the upcoming clash with Real Sociedad at the Catedral.
Injury doubts loom
Galarreta left the field against Getafe in the 18th minute after feeling discomfort in his right leg. The midfielder’s early exit has added to the doubts already surrounding the attacking‑midfield role. Periodista Deportivo Galarreta highlighted the issue on Sunday, noting the severity of the problem.
Gerenabarrena came on as replacement and now has a strong case to keep his place in the centre of the park if Galarreta cannot return soon. Coach Terzic praised his performance in the Tuesday regenerative session at Lezama. The Spaniard’s versatility gives the Athletic side more options ahead of the derby.
Rotation for the Copa
Terzic intends to rotate his squad for Thursday’s Copa del Rey tie against AE Prat at the Municipal de L’Hospitalet. He plans to hand minutes to players who have featured less this season, including several youngsters from the cantera. The calendar is tight, with the derby looming just days later.
Concerns also linger over Oihan Sancet’s physical condition and the absence of Guruzeta, who is out with an anterior cruciate ligament rupture. On a brighter note, both Nico Williams and Iñaki Williams have returned to full fitness. Iñaki marked his comeback with a goal, his first in almost five months, while Nico added a spark on the wing.
Athletic broke a four‑match winless run with a convincing victory over Getafe, ending the drought that had lasted four games. Earlier in October, the club claimed the Euskal Herria Txapela, beating Real Sociedad 0‑1 in the final at Anoeta. Those successes raise expectations ahead of the league encounter.
The upcoming derby at San Mamés, often called the Catedral, pits Athletic directly frente a Real Sociedad in a battle for Basque pride. Bilbao supporters will be watching closely to see whether the midfield reshuffle can withstand the pressure.