Unai Egiluz suffers fresh right-knee ACL graft tear, faces another lost season | OneFootball

Unai Egiluz has suffered a fresh rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament graft in his right knee, Athletic confirmed. The injury will require another operation and leaves the young centre-back facing a second successive season out.

The setback occurred in training on Thursday, when Egiluz left the session and medical staff raised the alarm. Tests confirmed a re-rupture of the ligament implanted last August, and the operation will also include a lateral reinforcement to stabilise the joint.

Last summer he returned from a productive loan at Mirandés with momentum. Squad exits and team-mates’ fitness problems opened a route into Ernesto Valverde’s rotation, and he was seen as an important option at centre-back.

It unravelled in the 28th minute of a pre-season friendly against Racing at La Maruca. What was initially labelled a sprain proved an ACL rupture, and he underwent his first operation in August 2025.

In December, his return to the Lezama turf, jogging and doing individual drills on Pitch one, boosted optimism. It seemed his recovery was on track and an official return next season was in sight.

This relapse is a heavy physical and psychological blow. Egiluz has one senior appearance, a Copa tie against Rubí, and he took part in the Gabarra celebrations. He is contracted until 2028 and the club maintains its faith in him.

Source: El Correo