Athletic Bilbao have been dealt a fitness boost as Aritz Aduriz’s injury against Sevilla on Thursday is not bad as first feared.
Athletic’s penalty-shootout defeat to Sevilla in the Europa League quarter-finals was marred by a late injury to Aduriz, prompting the striker to fear a “small tear” in his left thigh after the game.
A statement on the club’s official website, however, has since confirmed only “a minor injury”, although the 35-year-old will still miss Los Leones’ match against Malaga on Sunday.
Aduriz is also considered doubtful for the midweek visit of Athletic Bilbao and trip to Levante the following Sunday.