According to an official statement from the club, both Aitor Paredes and Unai Egiluz have picked up injuries that could see them miss the start of the 2025/26 campaign.

Paredes Out with Muscle Strain

Defensive mainstay Aitor Paredes is reportedly dealing with what has been described as a “strain to the rectus femoris muscle in his left leg.” The injury forced him to miss Thursday’s pre-season training session, and he is now set for a spell on the sidelines.

Although the club hasn’t confirmed how long he’ll be out, sources suggest that the injury might require several days — or even weeks — of recovery, depending on further scans.

Egiluz Also Injured in Pre-Season Friendly

As if one defensive setback wasn’t enough, Unai Egiluz also picked up a knock — this one coming during the club’s pre-season clash against Real Racing Club on Wednesday. According to the club’s medical team, the 23-year-old has suffered a “sprain to his right knee.”

Omo, double wahala for defence line just before league kickoff? This one no be small thing.

The club confirmed that both players are currently awaiting further assessment to determine the full extent of the damage and estimated return timelines.

La Liga Opener Just Weeks Away

Athletic Club are scheduled to begin their 2025/26 La Liga campaign against Sevilla in less than three weeks, and this double injury scare could force the coaching crew to reshuffle their defensive setup ahead of that crucial tie.

With time ticking and the season just around the corner, the pressure is now on manager Ernesto Valverde and his backroom staff to monitor replacements — either from the bench or the transfer market.

Final Word

While fans remain hopeful that both injuries will turn out to be minor, the timing of this news is nothing short of frustrating. With expectations high for the coming season, losing two defenders in pre-season is not the ideal start.

Let’s just hope the medics pull off a miracle before that Sevilla showdown.