Aymeric Laporte
ATHLate call Wednesday
Laporte is a late call for Wednesday's match against Espanyol due to an injury, according to manager Ernesto Valverde, per Juanma Velasco of Marca. "We also have a problem with Yuri and Aymeric, we will have to see how they are in training."
Analysis: Laporte is in need of a late fitness test Wednesday and a further training session, as the quick turnaround has left him questionable for Wednesday. This will be something to monitor as they head into the match, as he has started in their past two games. If he were to miss out, Yeray Alvarez is a likely option to take his spot.
Finds bench role
Laporte (hamstring) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Atletico Madrid.
Analysis: Laporte has been included in the squad after being spotted at the training ground on Friday following the injury that had forced him off during Tuesday's win over Osasuna, though the coaching staff opted for a cautious approach by keeping him among the substitutes despite the minor nature of the problem. The defender has started each of Athletic's last 10 matches, making his absence from the starting lineup a notable change for a side accustomed to having their defensive leader anchoring the back line. His return to the first eleven is expected to follow imminently once the coaching staff are satisfied the issue has fully settled.
Uncertain status for Saturday
Laporte (hamstring) will be a game-time call for Saturday's game against Atletico Madrid, according to manager Ernesto Valverde. "We'll see, we'll make a decision after today's [Friday] training. [Aymeric] is recovering from the injury he had the other day. Hopefully, he'll be available."
Analysis: Laporte exited Tuesday's win over Osasuna with the injury, but it seems it was a minor problem since he was spotted in the training ground Friday. Having Laporte anchoring the defensive line will be huge for Athletic, as he's the undisputed leader of the back line. He has started in Athletic's last 10 games, averaging 4.8 clearances, 1.3 tackles and 0.5 chances created per game in that span.
Hamstring issue
Laporte (hamstring) did not train Thursday and is uncertain for Saturday's clash against Atletico Madrid, according to Edu Velasco Jr from ElChiringuitotv.
Analysis: Laporte's absence from training is a concern for Athletic Club heading into a high-stakes fixture against Atletico Madrid. The veteran center-back had been on a 10-game La Liga starting run before the injury emerged, averaging 4.7 clearances and 1.3 tackles per contest during that stretch. Dani Vivian figures to return to the starting lineup should Laporte be unable to go Saturday. No further details have been provided on the severity of the hamstring issue.
Subs off with injury in win
Laporte was forced to leave Tuesday's 1-0 win over Osasuna due to a physical discomfort.
Analysis: Laporte was unable to finish the game after helping his side to a clean sheet over 75 minutes of play. His status is now a concern, as the issue could put an end to his 10-game La Liga starting run, during which he's averaging 4.7 clearances and 1.3 tackles per contest. Dani Vivian should return to the starting XI if the veteran is dealing with a significant issue.
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