Mikel Balenziaga - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates

Plays non-existent role Balenziaga played just three times, starting once in La Liga during the 2022-23 season.

Impact Balenziaga was held to just three appearances after falling entirely out of favor in the first team. With his contract set to come to an end at the end of June Balenziaga is set to depart the club. Oscar de Marcos and Inigo Lekue are likely to compete for the starting role at right-back.

JUNE 21, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

On bench vs. Real Madrid Balenziaga is in Athletic's match day squad for Sunday's season finale against Real Madrid.

Impact Balenziaga has been a bit-part player for Bilbao this season as Yuri Berchiche and Inigo Lekue are ahead of him in the left-back depth chart, but the 35-year-old Balenziaga is likely to see some time off the bench Sunday in what will be his final game with the club.

JUNE 4, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Misses training Friday Balenziaga missed training Friday with a minor muscular issue, manager Ernesto Valverde told reporters.

Impact Balenziaga was unable to train Friday but the issue was reported as minor and he is expected to return to the pitch for Saturday's trip to Sociedad. The defender has gone as an unused substitute in three matches since returning from the World Cup break.

JANUARY 13, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Bench option versus Betis Balenziaga (hamstring) was included in the match-day squad against Betis on Thursday.

Impact Balenziaga has been an unused substitute six times this season and has just played 45 minutes for the club. As such, even once given the all-clear, the defender will be hard-pressed to break into the starting XI, making him a relative non-factor in fantasy contests.

DECEMBER 29, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Suffers muscular injury Balenziaga suffered an injury in his left thigh, his club announced Tuesday.

Impact Balenziaga has played just once this season as an ankle injury kept him out for the first month and he rode the bench behind Inigo Lekue and Yuri Berchiche after that. Going into 2023, he'll hope to have put this injury behind him.

DECEMBER 13, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Available for selection Balenziaga (ankle) is available for selection ahead of Friday's match against Almeria.

Impact Balenziaga could make his first appearance of the season after an ankle injury has hampered him since the beginning of August. Should he be fit enough to start as well, Balenziaga could and should push Inigo Lekue from the starting lineup in the near future.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Still in recovery Balenziaga (ankle) remains in rehabilitation ahead of Saturday's match against Rayo Vallecano, according to Javi Beltran of AS.

Impact Balenziaga has yet to play this season and will hope the international break can speed up his recovery process. Injury issues at left-back mean that Inigo Lekue will continue to start until Balenziaga and Yuri Berchiche (foot) have returned.

SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Still out of training Balenziaga (ankle) remains separated in training as of Wednesday ahead of Sunday's match against Valencia, according to Javier Beltran of AS.

Impact Balenziaga wasn't expected to be ready for the second game of the season as this injury has limited his ability to get up to match fitness since the preseason. In his absence, Yuri Berchiche is the top option at left-back.

AUGUST 19, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out for opener Balenziaga (ankle) has not been called up by Athletic Club for Monday's clash against Mallorca.

Impact Balenziaga sprained his ankle in early August and is not ready for game time yet. With Yuri Berchiche (ankle) also out, Inigo Lekue could get the start at left-back versus Mallorca.

AUGUST 14, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Dealing with sprained ankle Balenziaga picked up a sprained right ankle and is limited in training, his club announced Wednesday.

Impact Balenziaga is still able to train, even if it's at a lesser pace than his teammates, so he should have plenty of time to recover for the Aug. 15 opener against Mallorca. Given the injury situation at full-back between veterans Balenziaga and Yuri Berchiche, Inigo Lekue could also play if needed.

AUGUST 3, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Extends contract with Bilbao Balenziaga has signed a one-year contract extension with Athletic Bilbao, the club announced Tuesday.

Impact Balenziaga has 21 La Liga starts this season for Bilbao, and the 34-year-old has just signed on through next season as well. He won't have to be relied upon so heavily if Yuri Berchiche can stay healthy, but for now the left back is remaining solid for his side.

MARCH 15, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Active in loss Balenziaga created one chance from six crosses (one accurate) and won three-of-four tackles during Saturday's 1-0 loss to Sevilla.

Impact Balenziaga was one of the better performers on the back line in a narrow home loss. It's the kind of activity level that can usually take place against stronger opponents, so it's a decent sign of what Balenziaga can do in the right matchups. Up next is a visit from Betis, which have scored the second-most goals in La Liga.

DECEMBER 12, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Keeps clean sheet in draw Balenziaga kept a clean sheet with six clearances made and provided four inaccurate crosses during Friday's scoreless draw with Athletic.

Impact Balenziaga has been the primary starter at left-back aside from a few games and now has two clean sheets from his last three starts. While his seven total crosses in that time aren't as impressive, It's important to consider the strength of his side in defense (fewest goals conceded in La Liga) in comparison to their attack (joint second-fewest goals scored). Up next is a visit from Granada, which have scored 12 goals in 13 matches this season.

NOVEMBER 22, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Stays in starting XI Balenziaga (undisclosed) is in the starting XI for Friday's match against Alaves.

Impact Balenziaga subbed off in the 53rd minute last match, but he's clearly over whatever the issue was, as he's starting Friday. It's unknown if he's ready for a full 90, but he should get up the field a decent amount, having produced 13 crosses in seven starts this season.

OCTOBER 1, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Leaves early with injury Balenziaga sent one cross (none accurate) and intercepted once before he was replaced by teammate Oscar de Marcos in the 53rd minute during the 1-1 draw with Valencia on Saturday.

Impact The defender was pretty underwhelming in the draw Saturday. He was not seen on either side of the ball before he would go down with a hamstring injury. The extent of the injury is not known at this time and if he were to be out, Oscar de Marcos should take his starting spot.

SEPTEMBER 25, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Three starts to open season Balenziaga has made 12 clearances and kept two clean sheets in three games to open the season.

Impact Balenziaga has only logged five crosses so far, and his stats haven't been so impressive since he lost his guaranteed starting spot in 2017. When Yuri Berhiche (groin) returns, there will be more competition at left-back, so that's one area to monitor when the time comes.

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Makes four clearances in loss Balenziaga made four clearances, provided three inaccurate crosses and won one of two tackles during Sunday's 1-0 loss to Real Madrid.

Impact Balenziaga has started the last month of matches while Yuri Berchiche remains unavailable due to a hamstring injury. Despite his regular minutes, it's probably better to look for Oscar de Marcos from defensive production on this team, as he's recorded 17 crosses and 10 tackles while starting the last five matches at right-back. Up next is the season finale against Elche, which rank in the middle of the pack in conceding crosses to defenders.

MAY 17, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

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