Athletic vs. València - News - May 10, 2026

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Oihan Sancet - Out against Espanyol Sancet (undisclosed) will miss Wednesday's clash against Espanyol, with the club opting for caution while awaiting the full results of his MRI, according to Edu Velasco Jr of El Ch...

Impact Sancet sought to downplay concerns upon arriving for his scan, but Athletic Club preferred not to rush him back before having a clearer picture of his condition. The absence of the Navarrese midfielder is a notable blow for coach Ernesto Valverde, who loses a key creative presence in the attack. Alex Berenguer is expected to step in for the Wednesday fixture, with the full extent of the injury to be confirmed once the MRI results are available.

MAY 11 • ROTOWIRE

Nico Williams - Expected back for World Cup opener Williams (hamstring) was cleared of any serious damage following Monday's medical examinations, with an MRI ruling out a tendon lesion and confirming an absence of two to three wee...

Impact Williams had come off in the 35th minute of Sunday's clash against Valencia amid fears of a significant hamstring injury, but the results of further testing have provided a considerably more optimistic picture than initially feared. The winger will follow a progressive and rigorous rehabilitation program over the coming weeks, with the timeline suggesting he could be ready for Spain's first group stage match, though the coaching staff will not take any unnecessary risks with his fitness. Coach Luis De la Fuente had been prepared to wait until the second or third group stage fixture if needed, but the medical update opens the door for an earlier return. The ruling out of any tendon damage was the key concern for both Athletic Club and the Spanish national team following Sunday's exit, and the positive diagnosis is a major relief heading into the summer tournament.

MAY 11 • ROTOWIRE

Inigo Lekue - Set to retire after season Lekue will hang up his boots at the end of the season after 11 years as an Athletic Club player, retiring as a true One Club Man after the club informed him his contract will not b...

Impact Lekue made 281 official appearances for Athletic Club across his career, averaging around 25 matches per season, and won three trophies including the Copa del Rey in 2023/24 and two Supercopas in 2014/15 and 2019/20. Remarkably, he featured in the decisive matches of all three title-winning occasions, including the memorable 4-0 first leg of the 2015 Supercopa final against Barcelona on his debut, both fixtures in the 2021 Supercopa triumph over Real Madrid and Barcelona, and the second half of extra time in the 2024 Copa del Rey final against Mallorca. The Deusto-born defender was never a headline-grabbing player, but his versatility and commitment made him invaluable to every coach who managed him, capable of playing in any defensive or attacking position on either flank with equal reliability. With 10 La Liga appearances this season, Lekue bows out as one of the great servants of Basque football.

MAY 11 • ROTOWIRE

Alex Berenguer - Flurry of service off the bench Alex Berenguer recorded eight crosses (three accurate) and three corners in Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Valencia.

Impact The attacker tried to provide a spark late in the match to give Athletic a boost as it goes for a Europe spot for next season but couldn't connect with a teammate. Alex Berenguer could have success if he continues to cross like this against Espanyol regardless of his role, as the side has allowed 53 goals in La Liga through 35 matches.

MAY 10 • ROTOWIRE

Robert Navarro - Poor service in start Navarro generated two shots (zero on goal), five crosses (zero accurate) and two corners in Sunday's 1-0 loss to Valencia.

Impact None of Navarro's crosses were accurate and he didn't put a single shot on frame. This is a tough start for the attacker, and he might go back to the bench against Espanyol but if he does start, it's a good matchup. Espanyol have conceded 53 goals in 35 domestic games this season.

MAY 10 • ROTOWIRE

Mikel Jauregizar - Stellar service Jauregizar generated two shots (zero on goal), five crosses (three accurate) and four corners in Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Valencia.

Impact Jauregizar was accurate on most of his crosses and delivered four corners as well, but he just wasn't able to connect with a teammate for a goal in a 1-0 loss. He should have better luck getting an assist against Espanyol if he duplicates this effort, as Espanyol have conceded 53 times in La Liga play this season.

MAY 10 • ROTOWIRE

Gorka Guruzeta - Fails to score Guruzeta recorded four shots (two on goal) in Sunday's 1-0 defeat versus Valencia.

Impact Guruzeta put half of his shots on target but could not find the back of the net in a tough loss for Athletic as it tries to get a Europe spot for next season. The forward should have better luck against Espanyol if he maintains this efficiency, as the side has allowed 53 goals in 35 La Liga games.

MAY 10 • ROTOWIRE

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Athletic vs. València - News: May 10, 2026

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