Injury blow for Athletic as Dani Vivián suffers right ankle problem | OneFootball

Athletic’s injury woes flared again as Dani Vivián sustained a right ankle problem at Espanyol, a setback that could end his season and imperil his World Cup hopes.

According to El Correo, the centre-back is on Luis de la Fuente’s 55-man provisional list for the tournament, though the issue could undermine those chances.

Returning to the starting line-up, Vivián was heavily trodden on in the box during the first half and went down immediately. Aitor Paredes was sent to warm up at once amid fears of a significant injury.

He lasted until the interval but could not continue, with Yeray Álvarez coming on at the start of the second half. The Vitorian watched on from the bench, ice strapped to his right ankle.

Recent months had suggested his chances of travelling were already slim. If the lay-off is around a month, his place would be virtually out of the question.

Athletic’s season has been pockmarked by fitness setbacks. Against Valencia, Nico Williams, Oihan Sancet and Yuri Berchiche were injured, all absent again versus Espanyol. Williams and Sancet will not play again this season.

Source: El Correo