Gorka Guruzeta
ATH
Suffers ACL tear
Guruzeta (knee) has been diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee following Saturday's 0-0 draw against Valencia, according to the club.
Analysis: Guruzeta sustained the injury against Valencia, with subsequent medical examinations confirming an ACL tear that is expected to rule him out for the remainder of the season. The forward had failed to register a goal or assist across five La Liga appearances this season before suffering the injury, which will require surgery and an extensive rehabilitation period. His prolonged absence could provide Maroan Sannadi with increased opportunities upfront, while Guruzeta faces a lengthy recovery before returning to competitive action.
Could have suffered serious injury
Guruzeta could have suffered a serious injury in Saturday's 0-0 draw against Valencia, according to manager Edin Terzic. "Guru's injury doesn't look good, but we have to wait two or three more days."
Analysis: Guruzeta will miss Wednesday's match against Levante, and the results of further tests will determine how long he'll be out. Terzic's words suggest the forward is set for a spell on the sidelines and could be an extended one. If that's the case, Maroan Sannadi would be in line to see more playing time upfront.
Withdraws with injury Saturday
Guruzeta was forced to leave Saturday's match against Valencia in the second half due to an undisclosed injury.
Analysis: Guruzeta departed the contest midway through the second half with a knock, and Maroan Sannadi replaced him. Further tests will determine the extent of the injury, but he should be considered questionable for the match against Levante on Wednesday, Oct. 21.
Back in action
Guruzeta (hamstring) returned to action as a second-half substitute in Friday's Euskal Herria Txapela final against Real Sociedad.
Analysis: Guruzeta returned to action as a second half substitute in the friendly against Real Sociedad after sitting out Athletic's last two league games with a hamstring injury. The outing should help him build up some rhythm after a stop start spell that included a relapse, though he had lost his starting role under Edin Terzic even before the injury. He should be back in contention when league action resumes, but a place in the starting lineup looks far from guaranteed.
Back in team training
Guruzeta (hamstring) was back in team training Tuesday, according to Edu Velasco Jr. of El Chiringuito.
Analysis: Guruzeta had been ruled out of the recent derby against Alaves after feeling slight discomfort from his previous hamstring injury, an issue that had already kept him out against Elche earlier in the season. His return to full training now confirms his recovery, positioning him to compete for a return to the starting role at center forward, with Inaki Williams having filled in during his absence.
Suffers slight setback
Guruzeta is ruled out for Saturday's derby against Alaves after feeling slight discomfort from his previous hamstring injury, according to the club.
Analysis: Guruzeta had recently returned to the squad for the match against Levante following the moderate hamstring injury that had kept him out against Elche, with Inaki Williams having filled in at center forward during that stretch. This new setback now sidelines him again, and his recovery timeline will continue to be monitored as Athletic's season progresses.
Returns to squad
Guruzeta (hamstring) has been included in the squad for Wednesday's clash against Levante.
Analysis: Guruzeta is available again after a moderate right hamstring injury kept him out of the recent match against Elche. His inclusion comes after he completed part of team training ahead of the fixture, though his workload could be managed following the absence. Guruzeta should immediately provide another option at center-forward, with Inaki Williams having filled the role during his absence.
Could return Wednesday
Guruzeta (hamstring) is a late fitness call for Wednesday's clash against Levante, according to coach Edin Terzic, per Athletic Xtra. "Guru and Peio have done part of training and we'll see afterward if we can count on them."
Analysis: Guruzeta had been diagnosed with a moderate muscle injury to his right hamstring that ruled him out of the recent match against Elche, with no official timetable given for his return at the time given the nature of that injury. This update now offers a more hopeful sign that his recovery has progressed faster than expected, though his involvement will still depend on how he responds in these final training sessions before the match.
Facing several weeks out
Guruzeta has been diagnosed with a moderate muscle injury to his right hamstring and is currently working separately from the group, according to the club.
Analysis: Guruzeta is set for a spell on the sidelines after tests confirmed the hamstring injury. The striker will miss the upcoming clash against Elche and remains without an official timetable for his return. While Athletic Club has not provided a return date, a moderate hamstring injury could keep him out for several weeks, with his recovery dependent on how he responds to treatment. Inaki Williams is expected to start up front in Guruzeta's absence.
Drops to bench role Sunday
Guruzeta was initially announced as a starter for Sunday's match against Celta but moved to a substitute spot in the last hour before the game.
Analysis: Guruzeta is still available, but it's unclear whether this is a tactical decision or he's limited by a fitness issue. Inaki Williams will ultimately lead the front line while Guruzeta's playing time is managed after two consecutive starts.
Spectacular volley in final game
Guruzeta scored one goal to go with four shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 4-2 defeat versus Real Madrid.
Analysis: Guruzeta pulled one back for Athletic Club in the 45th minute, rising to meet Inaki Williams' cross with a stunning volley that flew past Thibaut Courtois to cut the deficit to 2-1 at the break and momentarily spark hopes of a comeback for the visitors. He wraps up the campaign as Athletic's leading scorer with 10 La Liga goals across 35 appearances, marking the second-best return of his career. The Basque forward also hit several personal bests this season, piling up 84 shots (32 on target) while drawing 30 fouls, showing his growing presence in the final third.
Fails to score
Guruzeta recorded four shots (two on goal) in Sunday's 1-0 defeat versus Valencia.
Analysis: Guruzeta put half of his shots on target but could not find the back of the net in a tough loss for Athletic as it tries to get a Europe spot for next season. The forward should have better luck against Espanyol if he maintains this efficiency, as the side has allowed 53 goals in 35 La Liga games.
Two assists in win
Guruzeta assisted twice to go with one shot (zero on goal) and two chances created in Saturday's 4-2 victory versus Deportivo Alaves. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 59th minute.
Analysis: Guruzeta is known for his ability in front of goal, but this time he was an elite playmaker, delivering the assists for both goals in Nico Williams' brace. Guruzeta saw his goal streak end at three goals, but he now has five contributions (G3, A2) in his last four league starts.
Continues scoring streak Saturday
Guruzeta scored one goal to go with four shots (two on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 3-2 loss against Atletico Madrid.
Analysis: Guruzeta was insistent against the Colchoneros but didn't see his effort rewarded until stoppage time, when he found the back of the net with a solid header. He has scored in each of his last three games played while totaling nine shots (five on target) over that span. Such form should be enough for the forward to stay active in the No. 9 slot, looking to improve on his team-high count of nine league goals this season.
Scores goal Tuesday
Guruzeta scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) and two chances created in Tuesday's 1-0 victory against Osasuna.
Analysis: Guruzeta was at the right place and right time to drill home a rebound following a shot from Nico Williams. This was Guruzeta's eighth goal of the current league campaign, and if adding the UCL campaign as well, then the striker has found the back of the net 13 times in 36 appearances. He should remain in a starting role in the final weeks of the season.
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