Bilbao Boosted as Nico and Laporte Eye Derby Return

Athletic Club’s preparations for Sunday’s highly anticipated Basque derby have received a significant boost with both Nico Williams and Aymeric Laporte edging closer to availability against Real Sociedad.

Derby Day Looms

The Lions return to San Mamés for their first league fixture at home in over a month, desperately seeking to halt their poor domestic form. Sunday’s clash against their fierce rivals from San Sebastián represents the perfect opportunity to get back on track in La Liga.

Laporte Nearing Comeback

Aymeric Laporte’s potential return will be music to Ernesto Valverde’s ears. The Spain international has been sidelined for a full two months but is now in the final stages of his recovery process. The centre-half has been participating in group training sessions recently, with Valverde previously hinting that his comeback was imminent.

Nico Ready to Roar Again?

In another positive development, star winger Nico Williams has also trained with relative normality during Friday’s session. The electric attacker missed Thursday’s European encounter against Sporting Lisbon, but his involvement in training suggests he could be back on the pitch for the derby.

The younger Williams brother’s return would be absolutely massive for Athletic – he’s been the dog’s dinner this season with his blistering pace causing defenders all sorts of problems.

Not All Good News

It’s not all rosy in Bilbao, however, as:

• Oihan Sancet has been ruled out after picking up an injury against Sporting Lisbon
• Dani Vivian was absent from Friday’s training session
• Vivian’s status remains uncertain pending Saturday’s final training session, with the defender dealing with muscle overload issues

Despite these setbacks, the potential return of two key internationals gives Valverde’s squad a timely boost ahead of what promises to be a proper tasty derby atmosphere at San Mamés.