Athletic Club kick off the 2024-25 La Liga season when they host Getafe at San Mames next Thursday. Ernesto Valverde’s side will be hoping for a strong start to the campaign, during which they will hope to go better than the fourth place finish they secured in 2023-24.
Valverde’s squad has stayed rather similar to before, with only two arrivals (Alvaro Djalo and Andoni Gorosabel) and a few fringe players departing – including Iker Muniain and Asier Villalibre.
Djalo was Los Leones’ marquee summer signing, joining from Braga for a fee in the region of €15m. He’s had a solid pre-season, although he will be unavailable for the match against Getafe after suffering a hamstring injury during Wednesday’s friendly against Aston Villa, Athletic have confirmed.
🚑 PARTE MÉDICO I @AlvaroDjalo & Duñabeitia 👇@ImqEuskadi I #AthleticClub 🦁
— Athletic Club (@AthleticClub) August 8, 2024
Djalo’s injury is mild, but Relevo say that it will be enough to delay his competitive debut for Athletic Club. It’s a blow for Valverde, although it is offset by Nico Williams’ premature return from his holidays, which should ensure that he plays against Getafe.
