Athletic Bilbao faces last-minute uncertainty before the Basque derby against Real Sociedad, which will be played this Sunday at the San Mamés. Midfielder Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta, who had started in the last games and had scored the tying goal in the 88th minute of the 3‑2 at Anoeta, was injured after suffering discomfort in his right leg and was replaced by Edin Terzic in the 18th minute of the match against Getafe. The coach confirmed the injury at a press conference, indicating that Galarreta's loss could affect the team's lineup for the duel with Real.
Coach Pellegrino Matarazzo, who has already begun planning the strategy for the derby, has not yet decided whether to include Galarreta in his scheme. The absence of a player who has been injury-free for almost two years, despite his history of physical problems, represents a challenge for the coaching staff, which must look for alternatives in midfield. Among the possible substitutes is Gerenabarrena, who has become a clear candidate to occupy the midfielder position in the next match.
In addition to Galarreta, Athletic also has other doubts that could influence the lineup. Oihan Sancet, who has scored in recent derbies, has a soleus injury and his participation is not ruled out, although his availability remains uncertain. Eguiluz's absence is also already known and adds to the team's concerns. As for the defense, forward Gorka Guruzeta, who has broken the kneecap in his leg and will miss the season, will not be a factor in the derby, but his absence adds to the number of injured players.
Athletic, who played in the Cup against Prat on Thursday, appear to have decided not to travel to Catalonia for that match in order to ensure that key players are available for the derby. This measure suggests that the club is prioritizing the match against Real Sociedad over the Copa del Rey competition. With the uncertainty surrounding the availability of Galarreta and other players, coach Matarazzo will have to adjust his squad and possibly turn to less experienced players or the reserve to fill critical positions. The result of this decision will be crucial for the team's performance in the Basque duel, which promises to be an intense and decisive match in the season.