Laporte Sets Champions League Return Target as Athletic's Centre-Back Crisis Deepens
Athletic Club's defensive woes mount with Laporte working to return for crucial European fixtures while Valverde faces selection headache after injuries and suspensions.
Aymeric Laporte is racing against time to be fit for Athletic Club’s crucial Champions League fixtures in January, as Ernesto Valverde grapples with a full-blown defensive crisis in Bilbao.
Defensive Crisis Reaches Breaking Point
The situation at San Mamés has gone from bad to worse in recent weeks. Athletic’s centre-back options have been decimated through a perfect storm of injuries and suspensions:
- Laporte suffered a severe muscle injury to his left hamstring against Atlético on December 6th
- Yuri Berchiche, who can deputise in central defence, picked up an injury in Sunday’s match at Celta Vigo
- Vivian will serve a suspension against Espanyol
- Yeray remains suspended for upcoming fixtures
- Egiluz continues his long-term recovery from an ACL tear (though has begun solo training sessions)
This leaves Valverde with just Paredes as his only available senior centre-back for the upcoming Espanyol clash – a proper nightmare for the gaffer.
Laporte’s Recovery Timeline
The Spain international is now targeting Athletic’s crucial Champions League fixtures against Atalanta (January 21st) and Sporting CP (January 28th) for his return. These matches represent the final hurdles in their European campaign this season.
Laporte is taking his recovery seriously, cutting short his holiday plans to maintain a daily rehabilitation routine. He’s aiming to limit his absence to around six weeks in total.
“I still have a month and a bit more to go. I’m doing well, but the injury takes time,” Laporte said at a BBK Foundation recognition event at the Arriaga Theatre, where he was honoured for his sporting career and connection to the Biscay region.
Stopgap Solutions
Aware of the defensive crisis facing his team for the immediate fixtures against Ourense and Espanyol, Laporte suggested Valverde might need to get creative with his selections.
Beyond promoting players from the reserve team, he mentioned that Lekue, Adama, and even Vesga could be pressed into service at centre-back – not exactly what you’d call specialists in that position, but needs must when you’re down to the bare bones.
The injury will keep Laporte sidelined for the Supercopa and league matches against Espanyol, Osasuna, and almost certainly Mallorca as well. That’s a right old Adam and Eve for Athletic’s defensive planning.