Laporte ruled out for Copa clash as Athletic eyes Champions League return
Aymeric Laporte's recovery timeline sees him missing Athletic Club's Copa del Rey tie against Cultural Leonesa, but could make a comeback for the Atalanta UCL fixture.
Athletic Club will have to navigate their upcoming Copa del Rey fixture without Aymeric Laporte, as the French-born Spanish international continues his rehabilitation from a serious hamstring injury.
Injury Timeline
Laporte is now entering his sixth week of recovery after suffering a biceps femoris injury on December 6th. The former Manchester City and Al-Nassr defender has been limited to individual training sessions, with no definite return date established. However, there’s cautious optimism around San Mamés that he might be available for the Champions League clash against Atalanta on January 21st.
The medical staff are taking absolutely no chances with Laporte’s recovery - rushing him back would be proper barmy considering there’s still half a season to navigate. Before he can rejoin the squad for matches, he’ll need to complete at least three full training sessions with the group.
Upcoming Schedule
Athletic’s fixture list is looking rather tasty in the coming weeks:
- Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa (Copa del Rey) - January 16th
- Mallorca (La Liga) - likely without Laporte
- Atalanta (Champions League) - January 21st - potential return date
- Sevilla and Sporting Portugal fixtures to follow between January 21-28
The brass at Athletic are reportedly targeting one of these three late January fixtures for Laporte’s return to action, with the Champions League tie against Atalanta looking the most promising if his recovery continues on schedule.
Team News
It’s not all doom and gloom for Ernesto Valverde, mind you. Yuri Berchiche has received medical clearance after his own muscle issue and will be available for the Copa del Rey fixture.
The squad will train at 3pm today at Lezama - a bit of an unusual time for the lads - before boarding the coach to León for Tuesday’s cup tie against Cultural Leonesa (9pm kickoff). They’ll head straight back to Bilbao after the match with a rest day scheduled for Wednesday.
After that brief respite, it’s full steam ahead for Athletic as they balance domestic and European commitments in what promises to be a crucial period in their season.