Inside Athletic

Athletic returned to training on Monday after having the past two days off. Refreshed from the long break, the Lions began preparing for Friday’s trip to Ipurua, though the game could be moved. La Liga and the RFEF remain at odds over Friday night games and a decision on the Eibar clash will be handed down Wednesday.

Regardless of when the game is played, Gaizka Garitano is expected to make a few changes to the lineup. Unai López figures to replace Mikel Vesga in the team after working with the starters on Monday, while Yeray is likely to miss the match.

Yeray left Friday’s friendly against Sevilla early in the second half with an apparent groin injury. Garitano offered some optimism after the game, but the defender was unable to train with his teammates on Monday. Instead, Yeray worked separately from the group and will be evaluated again on Wednesday.

Being able to at least jog at Lezama is good news for Yeray. Had the muscle injury been more several he wouldn’t have been cleared to run. If the game is pushed back to the weekend Yeray would have a better chance of playing, but for now he’s expected to unavailable. Yeray’s absence would see Unai Núñez take his place in the lineup.

In other news, Ibai Gómez is one step closer to returning to action. The 30-year-ole suffered a fractured clavicle during the summer and was initially ruled out for the first few weeks of the season. Gómez began running exercises on Monday and aims to be cleared sooner than expected.

Following the 2-0 loss to Granada in the league opener, Athletic need to come away with a victory against Eibar. Garitano’s side will have had two weeks to prepare for the Basque Derby and anything short of a strong performance will be unacceptable.