Athletic Club has been dealt a significant blow as midfielder Oihan Sancet is expected to miss the remainder of the season due to a moderate injury. The club confirmed on Monday that Sancet suffered damage to the ischiosural muscles in his right leg, though the tendon is not affected. With only three matches left in the Liga campaign, the recovery timeline is too tight for the player to feature again.
The injury occurred during Sancet's return to the starting lineup, a game that unfortunately saw him forced off early. The club's medical report classifies the issue as moderate, but the proximity of the season's end means a return is highly unlikely. Athletic's remaining fixtures are against Espanyol, Celta, and Real Madrid, all to be played within a span of under two weeks.
This setback comes at a particularly frustrating time for Sancet, who had just regained his place in the first XI after being an unused substitute in previous matches against Osasuna, Atlético, and Alavés. His performances off the bench had been impactful, most notably scoring a decisive goal in the comeback win over Alavés before the Valencia clash.
The navarrese playmaker has a history of injuries in the same muscle group, which has prompted both the player and coaching staff to adopt a cautious approach to his recovery. A premature return could risk aggravating the issue, especially given the pattern of recurrence.
Head coach Ernesto Valverde addressed the situation in his post-match press conference following the defeat to Valencia, emphasizing that spells on the sidelines can be beneficial. "Sometimes being on the bench does you good. You reflect a lot when you are on the bench," he said, perhaps offering a silver lining to Sancet's latest absence.
Athletic will now have to navigate the crucial final stretch without one of their key creative outlets. Sancet's ability to unlock defenses and his recent form made him a vital asset, and his absence will test the depth of Valverde's squad. The team's league position and European aspirations could hinge on how they cope without him.
Despite the setback, the club remains optimistic that Sancet will be fully ready for the start of next season, prioritizing his long-term health over short-term gains. The medical staff will monitor his recovery closely, ensuring no shortcuts are taken.
Based on reporting from Marca.
