Athletic's Title Hopes Dented as Sancet, Yuri, and Djaló Miss Crucial Training

Athletic Club faces a mounting injury crisis ahead of Saturday’s trip to Vallecas, with three key players sidelined during Wednesday’s training session at Lezama. Midfielder Oihan Sancet, left-back Yuri Berchiche, and centre-back Dani Djaló all missed the first portion of the session, raising serious questions about Ernesto Valverde’s squad depth just as the Basque side attempts to maintain their title challenge.

The timing couldn’t be worse. Rayo Vallecano, despite their chaotic reputation, have proven dangerous this season and demand full concentration. Sancet’s absence is particularly troubling—his energy and technical quality in midfield have been instrumental to Athletic’s pressing game and transition play. Losing him, even temporarily, forces Valverde to shuffle his midfield balance, potentially weakening the creative link between defence and attack.

Yuri’s availability is equally critical. The veteran left-back provides not just defensive solidity but also the width Athletic need to unlock congested defences. His replacement options lack the same composure and attacking threat, which could blunt Athletic’s ability to create space on the flanks against Rayo’s compact setup.

Djaló’s fitness status adds another layer of concern. Centre-back depth has always been a vulnerability for Athletic, and losing the Portuguese defender would force Valverde into uncomfortable personnel choices at the back.

With two more training sessions before kick-off, there’s still time for recovery. But this injury cluster exposes the fragility of Athletic’s squad. They’ve invested heavily in attacking talent and midfield creativity, yet defensive and squad depth remain question marks. In a title race where consistency matters, these absences could prove the difference between three points and dropped ground. The San Mamés faithful will be holding their breath until Valverde confirms his team sheet.