Maroan Returns to Training at Lezama But Still Working Alone as March Target Looms
Athletic Bilbao striker Maroan was back at Lezama on Monday but still training separately from the group as he edges closer to a return in early March.
Athletic Bilbao got a cautiously encouraging sight at Lezama on Monday — Maroan is back on the grass. But before anyone gets too excited, he’s still well away from full group training.
What’s the situation with Maroan?
The striker, who joined Athletic in the January 2025 window from Barakaldo, had knee surgery back in November after a meniscus problem in his right knee. It’s not been a straightforward recovery either — this wasn’t your bog-standard meniscus op, with various other factors complicating things along the way. He’s also been working with an external specialist who the club rate very highly, alongside his sessions at Lezama.
Ernesto Valverde had already flagged that this was going to be a long one, noting the injury was going to keep Maroan out for roughly four months, and that it was far from a simple fix. Those timelines point to the first days of March for a potential return to the group — which is broadly where things stand right now.
Key points on Maroan:
- Trained alone (away from the group) on Monday
- Targeting reintegration with the squad in early March
- Will need game time and a proper run-out before he’s match-ready
- Definitely not available for the upcoming fixtures against Rayo, Real Sociedad, or Barcelona
Berenguer racing to be fit
Training alongside Maroan in that separate session was Alex Berenguer, who’s been struggling with traumatic arthritis in the first toe of his right foot — a right nuisance of an injury that’s seen him miss several matches and require multiple injections to manage the pain.
The good news is that Berenguer is pushing hard and is set to be assessed this week, with the aim of at least being available for the Copa del Rey semi-final. He’s clearly determined to get himself on the pitch sooner rather than later.
The other injury news
It wasn’t just those two missing from the main group, mind:
- Nico Williams sat out again, continuing his managed rest and abdominal strengthening programme to deal with his ongoing pubic issue — nothing new there, just careful management
- Jauregizar has been out since the Oviedo game with a hyperextension in his right knee, so he’s a confirmed absentee for now
The bigger picture
With a packed run of fixtures coming up — Rayo, Real Sociedad, and Barcelona all on the horizon — Valverde is having to juggle his resources carefully. Getting Berenguer back for the semi-final would be a proper boost, while Maroan’s eventual return will add some much-needed depth up front. For now though, it’s a waiting game.