Inside Athletic

Several Athletic players were forced to miss last weekend’s Copa del Rey match against Sestao River after a flu breakout and the squad still hasn’t recovered. Unai Simón has already been ruled out of Sunday’s clash with Celta Vigo, although he’s recovering from mumps, but others could be unavailable as well. Gaizka Larrazabal returned to training yesterday but was absent from Wednesday’s session while Aritz Aduriz left early, possibly out of precaution.

Dani García battled a fever all last week and recovered in time to start against Sestao River, but has since fallen victim to illness again. The midfielder hasn’t been able to train at all this week and, while the club was confident that he would be able to feature this weekend, there is now growing concern that he won’t be cleared for the match at San Mamés. Dani García’s absence would be a big blow as he has been one of Gaizka Garitano’s key players this season and has accumulated more minutes than anyone else.

In addition, Raúl García was forced to leave training early after suffering a blow. The issue didn’t appear to be serious and for now the 33-year-old is expected to be back in training on Thursday, but it was a scare. Fortunately, Iker Muniain appears ready jump back into the lineup after making his return last weekend from a hamstring injury that kept the captain out for nearly two months.

Garitano called up three youth players for Wednesday’s training as well with Unai Vencedor the most notable name and a player who could benefit from Dani García’s possible absence. The 19-year-old has worked with the first team on a number of occasions this season and was available to train due to the fact that he is suspended for Bilbao Athletic’s match later today. Basconia defenders Álvaro Núñez and Aitor Paredes, as well as goalkeepers Aritz De Miguel and Julen Agirrezabala, were also brought up for the session.