How Is Athletic Bilbao Coping With Aymeric Laporte's Two-Month Hamstring Injury?
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Synopsis
Athletic Club Bilbao is grappling with a significant blow as Aymeric Laporte faces a two-month recovery period due to a severe hamstring injury. This setback will affect key fixtures in the Spanish Supercup and Champions League, leaving the team in a tough position as they navigate upcoming matches.
Key Takeaways
- Aymeric Laporte facing a two-month recovery due to a severe hamstring injury.
- Injury likely to impact key fixtures including the Spanish Supercup and Champions League.
- Club struggles with limited defensive options following Yeray Alvarez's suspension.
- Laporte's form had recently earned him a call-up to the Spain squad.
- His absence presents challenges for coach Ernesto Valverde.
Madrid, Dec 10 (NationPress) Athletic Club Bilbao has faced a major setback as Spain international Aymeric Laporte has been diagnosed with a serious hamstring injury. The defender had to leave the field in the 33rd minute during Saturday's narrow 1-0 victory at home against Atletico Madrid after an awkward fall.
The club provided a brief medical update on Wednesday morning, stating that he "underwent an MRI scan yesterday [Tuesday]."
"After additional examinations... it has been confirmed that the player has sustained a serious muscle injury to the biceps femoris in his left leg. The defender has commenced his recovery and awaits further assessments," the statement concluded.
While Athletic did not specify a recovery timeline, the severity of the injury is likely to sideline Laporte for approximately two months. This absence will mean he misses out on the Spanish Supercup in January, as well as Champions League matches against Paris Saint-Germain, Atalanta, and Sporting Lisbon, along with several La Liga games.
This injury, combined with Yeray Alvarez's suspension until April due to a doping violation linked to a hair-loss product, leaves coach Ernesto Valverde with only two senior central defenders available, Dani Vivian and Aitor Paredes—with Paredes also suspended for Wednesday's match against PSG.
Since returning to the club last summer after two seasons in Saudi Arabia, Laporte has been a key player for Valverde, and his impressive performances earned him a recent call-up to the Spain squad for World Cup qualifiers.
Born on May 27, 1994, as Aymeric Jean Louis Gérard Alphonse Laporte in Agen, France, he initially represented his native country at the youth level before switching allegiance to Spain, thanks to his Basque heritage through his great-grandparents. The centre-back made his La Liga debut on December 9, 2012, playing a minute in a 1-0 victory against Celta Vigo and quickly became a starting player the following week, aiding in a win against Mallorca.
Laporte was with Manchester City from 2018 to 2023, then played for Saudi side Al Nassr from 2023 to 2025, before returning to Athletic Bilbao ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the implications of Aymeric Laporte's injury on Athletic Club Bilbao. The absence of a player of his caliber not only affects the team's dynamics but also raises questions about their depth in defense during a critical period. This situation highlights the unpredictable nature of sports and the resilience required to overcome such challenges.
NationPress
10/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What injury has Aymeric Laporte sustained?
Aymeric Laporte has been diagnosed with a severe hamstring injury, specifically a muscle injury to the biceps femoris in his left leg.
How long is Laporte expected to be out?
The nature of Laporte's injury suggests he could be sidelined for approximately two months.
Which matches will Laporte miss?
Laporte will miss the Spanish Supercup, Champions League matches against Paris Saint-Germain, Atalanta, and Sporting Lisbon, as well as several La Liga fixtures.
Who will replace Laporte in the defense?
With Laporte's injury and Yeray Alvarez's suspension, coach Ernesto Valverde will rely on Dani Vivian and Aitor Paredes, although Paredes is also suspended for a crucial match against PSG.
What has been Laporte's impact since returning to Athletic Bilbao?
Since his return in the summer, Laporte has been a key player, showcasing strong performances that led to his recall to the Spain national team for World Cup qualifying.
