Evaluation of players' fitness levels after first week of pre-season

Josean Lekue, Athletic Club's medical chief, offered an overall assessment of the first-team squad’s physical condition following the first week of pre-season training.

Lekue confirmed that both Unai Egiluz and Andoni Gorosabel are currently injured.

He said: “On 6 June, Egiluz underwent further surgery on his knee to repair the rupture he suffered at the end of last season, and his recovery is progressing as expected.

"As for Gorosabel, he has suffered an injury to his right medial adductor muscle during the pre-season. We expect that he will be able to train normally with the squad in about a couple of weeks."

Lekue mentioned that Nico Serrano is "sidelined for today with a thigh strain”. Furthermore, he stated that Beñat Prados, who missed all of last season due to a cruciate ligament surgery, “is fully fit”.

Added to that, Lekue explained that Unai Simón, Aymeric Laporte and Nico Williams will all be given three weeks’ holiday once their World Cup campaign is over. 

Restructuring of medical services department 

Josean Lekue also gave details regarding the reorganisation of the club's medical department, which affects the day-to-day running of the first team and sees him hand over day-to-day responsibility to Gontzal Díaz-Beitia.

He said: "It had been many years coming. There are factors linked to age and the transition from one coaching staff to another, so it was the right time to consider a change."

Among his new responsibilities, Josean will be Athletic Club Women's team doctor.