Athletic Bilbao Get Huge Injury Boost Ahead of PSG Clash – But Laporte a Major Doubt

Athletic Bilbao have received mixed injury news ahead of their Gameweek 6 meeting with UEFA Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). 

Attacker Inaki Williams has returned to training and is likely to be involved on Wednesday.

However, Aymeric Laporte is set to miss out with a hamstring injury, dealing a major blow to Athletic’s defence.

Inaki Williams Returns to Athletic Bilbao Training

Athletic Bilbao attacker Inaki Williams has been nursing a groin injury since the 3-1 win over Qarabag FK in October.

According to EITB Radio Television Publica Vasca, Williams showed positive signs before the game against Atletico Madrid.

However, later, coach Ernesto Valverde confirmed that he only completed a portion of the training and was not available for the game.

https://twitter.com/SleeperFootNews/status/1997986632855646334

Athletic Bilbao managed well without Williams and claimed a morale-boosting 1-0 victory over Atletico on Saturday.

This week, PSG pose a much bigger challenge, and reports suggest Athletic may be able to rely on Williams’ experience.

He trained with his teammates on Monday morning, completing the sessions without issues.

Valverde is unlikely to name the 31-year-old in the starting XI after such a lengthy absence. However, he could come in for Alex Berenguer later in the game.

Aymeric Laporte Likely to Miss PSG Game With Hamstring Injury

While Inaki Williams’ recovery boosts Bilbao’s attack, the team have been dealt a major setback with Aymeric Laporte suffering a hamstring injury.

The Spanish defender had to be substituted in the 33rd minute during Bilbao’s 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid at the San Mames. On Monday, the club confirmed that he had picked up a hamstring injury in his left leg.

More tests will be carried out to determine the nature of the injury. However, a hamstring injury so close to the game all but rules him out of the meeting with PSG.

Jon de Luis, who plays for Athletic Bilbao’s reserve team, has replaced him in the squad. The 22-year-old trained with the team on Monday, but is unlikely to start against PSG.

https://twitter.com/AthleticClub/status/1997979718650380638

Ernesto Valverde could pair Daniel Vivian with Aitor Paredes at the heart of the defence. Vivian played 90 minutes in the goalless draw with Slavia Prague and also started in the 3-0 defeat against Real Madrid.

Laporte was not the only major absentee in Monday’s training. Nico Williams, Oihan Sancet, Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta, Alex Berenguer, Mikel Jauregizar, and Unai Simon were also missing during the 15-minute media session on Monday.

None of them are expected to be injured and might have been rested after the demanding matches against Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.

Bilbao aren’t the only club suffering with injuries issues, though. Bayer Leverkusen could be without a key player for their clash with Newcastle on Wednesday, while Chelsea could be without Cole Palmer for their trip to Atalanta.