Aymeric Laporte's absence from training on Tuesday is the major concern for Athletic Bilbao ahead of hosting Elche. The left-footed centre-back did not take part in the grass session at Lezama who stated that "the absence of Aymeric Laporte was the most notable feature during the training carried out yesterday by Athletic at the Lezama facilities". The club has issued no medical report to clarify the reason for this setback, leaving his participation in Thursday's match up in the air.
The possible absence of the Spanish international would force manager Terzic to reshuffle his central defence. Laporte, who joined pre-season late due to his involvement in the last World Cup, started the league on the bench but has cemented himself as a starter, delivering a very high level in the last 3-0 win over Atlético de Madrid. His usual partner, Yeray, was substituted at half-time in that same match after a head clash, though he has since returned to normal training. The most direct option to cover the position would be Dani Vivian, who trained on one of the Lezama pitches under the supervision of Xabi Clemente yesterday as he continues to gradually improve from his pubic issue.
The injury picture at Lezama is completed by other important names. Striker Gorka Guruzeta was also not seen in action during yesterday's session, adding to the list of sidelined players. In midfield, Peio Canales, who missed the Atlético match with a muscular problem, was seen training on the same pitch as Vivian. The Barrika-born midfielder is progressing well but is not yet ready to rejoin the group.
Athletic arrive at this match following a convincing victory that broke an irregular streak. The 3-0 win over Atlético de Madrid on September 5th provided relief after a mixed sequence of results. In their last five official outings, the team has two wins and three losses, with a pattern of LWLWL. This clash against Elche represents a chance to string together two consecutive wins for the first time this season. The full squad will work again this morning at Lezama in what will be the final preparatory session before the match.
The match for the fourth round of La Liga will be played tomorrow, Thursday, at the San Mamés stadium. Terzic's team will look to use the home advantage to secure three key points. With the doubt over Laporte and the confirmed absence of Guruzeta, the manager will have to fine-tune his lineup during a busy stretch of the calendar. Fans can follow the team's evolution and check the official lineup in our squad section. The match against Elche is the next fixture on Athletic's schedule, as they face an ambitious September.
