Ville Koski
ALA
Out several weeks
Koski is expected to be out for several weeks with a muscle injury in his right quadriceps suffered on international duty with Finland, according to Noticias de Alava.
Analysis: Koski had played every minute in LaLiga this season and was a key part of the defense, with one goal, four tackles, eight interceptions and 47 clearances in five league appearances, including the second most clearances in the league. His absence leaves Alaves thin at the back, already without Facundo Garces (knee). Nicolas Valentini is the most likely replacement after a strong showing at San Mames, with Xanet Olaiz another candidate, and a switch from a back five to a 4-4-2 is also possible depending on what coach Quique Sanchez Flores decides.
Suffers quadriceps injury
Koski has been diagnosed with a muscle injury to his right quadriceps while on international duty with Finland and will return to Alaves for further assessment, according to the club.
Analysis: Koski's recovery timeline will depend on further evaluation after returning to Alaves, leaving his availability following the international break uncertain. The center-back has played every minute in La Liga this season, establishing himself as a key part of the defense. He has recorded one goal, four tackles, eight interceptions and 47 clearances across five league appearances. Jonny could step into central defense if Koski is forced to miss time.
Nets first career La Liga goal
Koski scored a goal with his lone shot while making eight clearances during Saturday's 2-1 loss to Racing Santander.
Analysis: Koski opened the scoring with a goal in the 18th minute while leading Alaves with his eight clearances. The goal was the first in La Liga for Koski as he's combined for three interceptions, a tackle and 26 clearances over his last three starts.
12 clearances in clean sheet
Koski had one tackle (one won), 12 clearances and one interception in Friday's 1-0 victory over Villarreal.
Analysis: Koski delivered one of the standout displays a center back could produce against a strong Villarreal side, contributing 16 defensive actions across every category, with one tackle, one interception and two blocks, and topping the match in clearances with 12. He has remained part of an unchanged back line since signing permanently this summer, and over the last two games has added two tackles, three interceptions and 17 clearances, helping his side to back to back clean sheets at home.
Three clearances in clean sheet
Koski recorded three clearances in Saturday's 3-0 victory against Getafe.
Analysis: Koski, who was out of the picture for the second half of last season while on loan away from the club, has featured in the last three games and impressed with solid performances, helping his side to two clean sheets that were crucial in avoiding relegation. With his move now permanent, he was again used in a three man defense and played his part in another clean sheet, though his defensive output was modest, limited to just three clearances in the game.
Recovered, plays vs. Racing
Koski has recovered from his concussion and played minutes in Friday's friendly against Racing Santander, according to the club.
Analysis: Koski had missed the earlier friendly against Girona after taking an accidental blow to the head from a ball during training at Torremirona, following AEMEF's mandated rest protocol before this return. His involvement confirms the issue has fully resolved. Koski is expected to continue building toward full match fitness as preseason continues.
Sidelined with concussion
Koski suffered a concussion after taking an accidental blow to the head from a ball during training at Torremirona, the club announced.
Analysis: Koski will miss Sunday's friendly against Girona as a result. Medical tests have ruled out any more serious damage, and he will follow AEMEF's mandated rest protocol over the coming days. No further timeline for his return has been disclosed at this stage. Koski's status remains pending further evaluation as his recovery progresses.
Signs permanently until 2031
Koski has been permanently signed by Alaves from NK Istra on a five-year contract until June 2031 after convincing the club during his winter loan spell, the club announced.
Analysis: Koski joined in January and made two La Liga starts during a crucial phase of the season, keeping a clean sheet in both appearances and contributing directly to the club securing their top-flight survival. Koski developed through the FC Honka academy in his home country before gaining experience in Croatian football with NK Istra prior to his move to Spain, and brings defensive solidity, aerial dominance and the ability to play out from the back that has impressed the club's sporting staff. Alaves expressed confidence in his development trajectory by committing to a five-year deal, with the Finnish international set to be an important part of their defensive setup heading into the 2026/27 La Liga campaign.
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