Oihan Sancet
ATH
Needs more time before returning
Sancet (calf) remains unavailable for Wednesday's La Liga clash against Levante as he needs another week to continue his recovery and gradually reintegrate into team activities, according to coach Edin Terzic, per Radio Popular.
Analysis: Sancet remains sidelined with a calf injury that has prevented him from participating in full team training. The midfielder had previously been restricted to gym work and treatment sessions, with coach Terzic initially suggesting that he could return to the training pitch toward the end of this week or during the following week. However, the coach's latest comments indicate that Sancet still needs additional time to adapt before being considered for competitive action, ruling him out of Wednesday's encounter against Levante. His availability for Saturday's clash against Getafe also appears doubtful, with a potential return against Real Sociedad on Nov. 1 looking more realistic if his recovery progresses without setbacks. Athletic Club will likely continue managing his rehabilitation carefully to avoid aggravating the injury, with Sancet needing to resume full training before receiving clearance to play.
Eyeing return to training
Sancet (calf) is eyeing a return to training next week and has only worked in the gym thus far, according to manager Edin Terzic, per Iker Torrescusa of Marca. "She hasn't been on the field yet. He has worked in the gym and in the treatment room. We hope you can return to the training camp at the end of next week or during the next week."
Analysis: Sancet is still not yet an option for Athletic, as the midfielder has not been cleared of his calf injury yet, only able to train in the gym. The good news is that a return to training is nearing, with the midfielder eyeing a return during next week or at the end of next week. That said, he will likely remain out at least another week and will likely not face Levante on Wednesday or Getafe on Oct. 25, likely seeing his return against Real Sociedad on Nov. 1.
Facing extended spell on sidelines
Sancet (calf) is expected to miss multiple matches after suffering a muscle injury in his left calf, with no clear timetable for his return, according to coach Edin Terzic. "With Oihan Sancet, every injury has its own individual story. Perhaps you saw him on Tuesday during the open training session. He completed almost the entire session. Then he felt something in his calf. We carried out further tests on Wednesday and Thursday as well. He has a muscle injury. We believe his recovery will take some time. It's not the right time to talk about days or weeks. We hope he won't be out for too long because he's also a very important player for the team. He's played a lot since the beginning of the season. That's the situation with Oihan."
Analysis: Sancet suffered a setback during Tuesday's training session, with subsequent tests revealing a moderate muscle injury to the soleus of his left calf. Terzic's comments suggest the attacking midfielder could miss several upcoming fixtures, although his recovery timeline remains uncertain and will depend on how the injury progresses. Sancet has featured in all seven La Liga matches this season, recording one goal, nine chances created and six shots on target while operating primarily as a No. 10. His absence represents a significant blow to Athletic's creativity in the final third, with Ruiz de Galarreta potentially moving into a more advanced midfield role to help compensate for his absence.
Diagnosed with calf injury
Sancet has been diagnosed with a moderate muscle injury in the soleus of his left calf following an MRI, with his recovery timeline dependent on how the injury progresses, the club announced.
Analysis: Sancet is facing a spell on the sidelines after tests confirmed the muscular injury, though Athletic Club have yet to provide an estimated return date. The attacking midfielder has featured in all seven league matches this season, recording one goal, nine chances created and six shots on target while operating primarily as a No. 10 in the team's 4-2-3-1 formation. His potential absence would be a significant blow to Athletic's creativity in the final third, with the severity of the injury suggesting he could miss multiple fixtures before returning to full fitness. Ruiz de Galarreta could play in a more advanced role during his absence like he did during his Mallorca days since the natural substitute Alex Berenguer is expected to start on the left wing following Nico Williams' absence (thigh).
Starting every game, staying healthy
Sancet has one goal but has played every game so far in the 2026/27 season.
Analysis: Sancet might have just one goal this season, but he's been a real attacking threat from midfield. Playing in a classic No. 10 role in Athletic's 4-2-3-1 scheme, Sancet has taken at least two shots in all but one of his seven appearances in 2026/27, with six of them being on target. Sancet has also created nine chances, so his influence in the final third has been notable.
Scores in comfortable win
Sancet scored one goal to go with three shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 3-0 victory against Atletico Madrid.
Analysis: Sancet closed out the scoring for Athletic Club in the second half. The playmaker has started every game for Athletic so far and remains heavily involved on offense. Even though he has just one goal, his peripherals have shown value with at least two shots in every game and five total chances created in that stretch.
Two shots Thursday
Sancet recorded two shots (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Thursday's 2-0 loss to Barcelona.
Analysis: Sancet led the team with two shots in Thursday's loss, but neither he nor the rest of the team could manage a single shot on target. He also created one chance on the attack. With five shots and four chances created through two matches, it's been a solid start to the season for Sancet despite his lack of a goal contribution.
Three shots, no goals
Sancet registered three shots (one on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and three chances created in Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Sevilla.
Analysis: Sancet was decent in Saturday's loss, recording three shots and three chances created despite not earning a goal contribution. However, he did struggle to see many last season, with only four goals and no assists in 28 appearances (22 starts). He still appears to be a starter, so he will need to turn this around to keep his spot.
Back in preseason training
Sancet returned to preseason training with Athletic Bilbao after missing the end of the 2025-26 campaign due to a hamstring injury, according to the club.
Analysis: Sancet appears to have recovered from the hamstring issue that sidelined him for the final weeks of last season. The attacking midfielder was included among the players reporting for the start of preseason preparations under new coach Edin Terzic, an encouraging sign for his availability heading into the new campaign. His return gives him a full preseason to rebuild fitness and sharpen his form after an injury-disrupted finish to the year. Sancet remains one of the squad's most influential attacking players when healthy and should be expected to play a prominent role if he avoids further setbacks.
Ruled out for Saturday
Sancet (hamstring) is not in the match squad for Saturday's visit to Real Madrid.
Analysis: Sancet will end the season on the sidelines, missing his third consecutive game due to injury. The midfielder has struggled to find consistency in terms of both playing time and performance, with his total of four goals ranking fourth on the squad. If he can take advantage of the upcoming break to regain physical form, his talent may give Athletic a significant boost whenever he's ready to play. Until then, Unai Gomez will likely get the nod in the No. 10 role.
Uncertain for Bernabeu trip
Sancet (undisclosed) trained separately from the rest of the squad Wednesday, three days before Athletic Club's season finale against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, according to Edu Velasco Jr of El Chiringuito TV.
Analysis: Sancet has yet to fully recover from the muscle issue that kept him out of Sunday's clash against Celta Vigo, and his availability for Saturday's final fixture remains uncertain. The midfielder's last opportunity to feature this season hinges on his progress over the coming days, with the club unlikely to take any unnecessary risks given the nature of the injury. Alex Berenguer and Nico Serrano are expected to continue covering in his absence should he be unable to prove his fitness in time.
Still sidelined
Sancet (hamstring) will face another absence after being excluded from the squad for Sunday's match against Celta Vigo.
Analysis: Sancet has yet to fully recover from a muscle issue he picked up in early May, and his last chance to play would come in the season finale against Real Madrid if he makes progress in the coming week. The injury-prone midfielder failed to find consistency in his performance during the 2025/26 period, and he scored four goals over 17 league or UCL games in the first half of the calendar year. Alex Berenguer and Nico Serrano should continue to benefit with increased playing time in his place.
Out against Espanyol
Sancet (undisclosed) will miss Wednesday's clash against Espanyol, with the club opting for caution while awaiting the full results of his MRI, according to Edu Velasco Jr of El Chiringuito.
Analysis: Sancet sought to downplay concerns upon arriving for his scan, but Athletic Club preferred not to rush him back before having a clearer picture of his condition. The absence of the Navarrese midfielder is a notable blow for coach Ernesto Valverde, who loses a key creative presence in the attack. Alex Berenguer is expected to step in for the Wednesday fixture, with the full extent of the injury to be confirmed once the MRI results are available.
Scores in win over Alaves
Sancet scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 4-2 win against Deportivo Alaves.
Analysis: Sancet evened things up late in the second half with a great goal, as he took advantage of a pass from Yuri Berchiche to drill an unstoppable shot from the edge of the box. Sancet's numbers haven't been as good as they were in 2024/25, but he remains a valuable fantasy asset. He's been limited to just four goals in 27 league outings this season after scoring 15 times in the previous campaign.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare