Athletic Bilbao is grappling with troubling news as star midfielder Oihan Sancet faces another injury setback. The promising young player, who was having a standout season with 13 goals, sustained a moderate muscle injury during the match against Real Valladolid on February 25, 2025. The injury has significant implications not only for Sancet’s season but also for Athletic Bilbao's campaign as they head toward the season's most pivotal moments.
The injury occurred when Sancet was substituted in the 68th minute, having felt discomfort during the match. Athletic Club's medical report detailed, "El jugador Oihan Sancet fue sustituido en el minuto 68 del partido que el Athletic disputó el domingo contra el Real Valladolid al sufrir una lesión muscular moderada en el recto femoral de su pierna derecha. El rojiblanco queda pendiente de evolución." This statement, though precise, has left fans and analysts speculating about the duration of his absence.
Currently, estimates suggest Sancet could be out for roughly three weeks. This timeline would exclude him from important matches, including the upcoming encounter with Atlético Madrid and two key matches against AS Roma in the Europa League. Just when the team needs its players at their best, Sancet's absence is a considerable blow. Analysts note, "En lesiones de este tipo siendo un grado moderado, se estima una baja alrededor de las 3 semanas desde la barrera."
Throughout the season, Sancet has proven himself to be one of Athletic’s most valuable players. His ability to score and assist has been pivotal, making his injury even more detrimental. He is one of the club's prime attackers, ranking high among LaLiga players, and has demonstrated skills on both ends of the pitch. At this point, losing him might jeopardize their chances for key victories as they sit fourth on the LaLiga table.
Without Sancet, Athletic Bilbao's options are slimming, especially against stiff competition. The upcoming fixture against Atlético Madrid, where they’ll face Alexander Sorloth – another strong contender currently positioned just behind Sancet with nine goals – is expected to be especially intense. It will require the remaining team members, including key players like Iñaki Williams and Alex Berenguer, to step up and assume greater responsibilities.
Fans are frustrated and worried about how this injury will impact the rest of their season. Reactions have been mixed, with many calling for patience, hoping Sancet can recover quickly. One fan remarked, "Estaremos atentos por si finalmente el 8 del Athletic pudiese acortar plazos en su recuperación, pero sin ninguna duda es un jarro de agua fría." The weight of expectations remains heavy on the team, as they must compete at high levels without one of their top players.
Prior to this injury, Sancet had already dealt with several physical setbacks this season. This latest incident marks Sancet's fourth injury of the year, disrupting his performance rhythm and putting extra pressure on the team. Though Athletic Bilbao has depth within their squad, few can match Sancet's current form and scoring capability.
The next few weeks are, without doubt, going to be testing for Athletic. After facing Atlético Madrid, they'll need to navigate through other tough fixtures, including league play against Mallorca and subsequent clashes with Roma. It's clear Sancet's absence could be felt deeply across these significant clashes.
Athletic Club's fans and management will be eagerly monitoring Sancet's recovery progress. They hold out hope for his return, particularly as the season enters what many describe as the "marathon phase". Each match carries weight, and with key points up for grabs, the team will need to rally to maintain their standing and push for European qualification. The upcoming break for international matches might serve as beneficial timing, as it could afford Sancet extra recovery time, enabling him to bounce back strong for the latter stages of the season.
While Sancet's injury undoubtedly casts a shadow on Athletic Bilbao's plans, the team's resilience and history of overcoming challenges will be tested. Fans are hoping for quick recovery, and the hope remains; if Sancet returns sooner than expected, the Athletic faithful could see their star player back on the pitch, leading the charge during the most important games of the season.