Dani Vivian
ATH
Back doing ball work
Vivian (groin) has resumed ball work exercises at Lezama, according to Athletic Xtra.
Analysis: Vivian has yet to play a competitive match for Athletic this season, having been previously expected to return to full training in October after the international break, with a potential comeback targeted for the match against Rayo Vallecano on Oct. 11. This latest step marks encouraging progress in his recovery, with Aymeric Laporte and Aitor Paredes continuing to hold down central defense in the meantime as far as Yeray Alvarez (concussion) remains out.
Targeting October return
Vivian (groin) is expected to return to full training in October after the international break, according to Aitor Celaya of Bilbao Hiria.
Analysis: Vivian has yet to play a competitive match for Athletic this season after not being able to recover from a preseason injury, but the center-back has a return date and is expected back in training after the international break. Assuming his recovery process goes without any setbacks, Vivian could return against Rayo Vallecano on Oct. 11. Aymeric Laporte and Aitor Paredes should continue to play at center-back as long as Vivian and Yeray Alvarez (concussion) remain sidelined.
Remains out, no timeline given
Vivian (groin) remains out for the time being due to injury, with no timeline given for his return, the club posted.
Analysis: Vivian has been working his way back from a groin injury that already cost him the recent match against Celta Vigo, and this continued absence extends his layoff further with Yeray Alvarez or Aitor Paredes remaining among the leading options to start in central defense. His path back to full training will continue to be monitored as Athletic Club's season progresses.
Remains doubtful
Vivian (groin) remains a doubt for Saturday's clash against Atletico Madrid, as he was not mentioned by coach Edin Terzic in the press conference.
Analysis: Vivian had already missed the recent match against Celta Vigo as he continues working his way back from a groin injury, with Yeray Alvarez remaining among the leading options to start in central defense in his absence. His continued absence from the coach's presser leaves his status unclear heading into this match.
Remains out against Celta Vigo
Vivian (groin) remains unavailable for Sunday's clash against Celta Vigo.
Analysis: Vivian will miss another league match as he continues working his way back from the groin injury that has kept him out of the opening stages of the season. The center-back had recently been limited to individual work and has yet to return to match action, though his previous update suggested he was moving closer to rejoining team training. Yeray Alvarez should remain among the leading options to start in central defense while Vivian is sidelined.
Ruled out against Barcelona
Vivian (groin) was ruled out for Thursday's clash against Barcelona and will need a few more days of individual work before returning to team training, according to coach Edin Terzic. "Vivian is unavailable for the match and needs a few more days of individual work before rejoining the team."
Analysis: Vivian will miss a second straight league match after also sitting out the season opener against Sevilla. The center-back remains limited to individual work but appears to be progressing toward a return to team training in the coming days. Yeray Alvarez is expected to retain his starting role at center-back while Vivian remains sidelined.
Remains uncertain for Barcelona
Vivian (groin) continued to train individually Monday and remains uncertain for Thursday's clash against Barcelona, according to AS.
Analysis: Vivian has yet to return to team training as he continues to deal with the groin injury that kept him out of the season opener against Sevilla. The center-back's availability for Thursday will depend on his progress over the next few days, though his continued absence from team training leaves his status in doubt. Yeray Alvarez could retain his starting role at center-back if Vivian is unable to return in time.
Set to miss season opener
Vivian (hamstring) was once again the notable absentee from Athletic Bilbao's training group Tuesday, and barring a last minute change, is expected to miss Saturday's season opener against Sevilla, according to Edu Velasco Jr.
Analysis: Vivian continues his recovery from a right adductor longus insertion injury that has sidelined him since mid July. The center back's setback has kept him out of group training as Athletic fine tune their preparations ahead of hosting Sevilla at San Mames this weekend. Vivian is expected to remain out until he's fully recovered, with no clear return timeline given at this stage. Yeray Alvarez is expected to start at center back in his absence.
Dealing with hamstring injury
Vivian has been diagnosed with a right hamstring injury, the club announced Thursday.
Analysis: Vivian underwent tests Thursday morning, and the results revealed a hamstring problem, but the extent of the injury isn't known yet. Vivian should compete for steady playing time at center-back if healthy, but he should have plenty of time to recover since the 2026/27 Liga season will start in late August, with Athletic playing their first match against Sevilla on Aug. 22.
Option for final game
Vivian (ankle) has been cleared and is available for Saturday's season finale against Real Madrid, the club posted.
Analysis: Vivian had appeared likely to miss the final fixture after suffering a lateral ligament sprain in his right ankle, making his clearance a significant boost for Athletic Club heading into the Bernabeu showdown. The center-back ends what has been a strong individual campaign with one goal, 59 tackles, 39 interceptions and 178 clearances across 36 appearances in all competitions, and his availability gives coach Ernesto Valverde his preferred defensive options for the final fixture of the season.
Back training with squad
Vivian (ankle) returned to group training Wednesday and could be available for Saturday's clash against Real Madrid, according to Edu Velasco Jr of El Chiringuito TV.
Analysis: Vivian's return to the training pitch is an encouraging development after the lateral ligament sprain in his right ankle had appeared likely to end his season prematurely. The center-back had been one of Athletic Club's most reliable defensive performers this campaign, contributing one goal, 59 tackles, 39 interceptions and 178 clearances across 36 appearances in all competitions. His potential availability for Saturday's final fixture against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu will depend on how he responds to training over the coming days, with the club expected to take a cautious approach given the nature of the injury.
Suffers ankle ligament injury
Vivian (ankle) has been confirmed with a sprain of the lateral ligament in his right ankle after being forced off at halftime of Wednesday's loss to Espanyol, with his return dependent on the evolution of the injury and a season-ending absence looking increasingly likely, according to the club.
Analysis: Vivian likely ends what has been an impressive individual campaign with one goal, 59 tackles, 39 interceptions and 178 clearances across 36 appearances in all competitions, having been one of Athletic Club's most reliable defensive performers throughout the season. Yeray Alvarez and Aymeric Laporte are expected to form the central defensive partnership for the remaining fixtures, with the club managing Vivian's recovery carefully given the nature of a lateral ligament sprain.
Suffers apparent ankle issue
Vivian subbed off after the first half of Wednesday's loss to Espanyol due to a potential injury and had ice applied on the right ankle, according to Athletic Xtra.
Analysis: Vivian recorded 45 minutes of play for the second consecutive game after coming off the bench in his previous appearance. Despite his defensive strength, the 26-year-old has recently been involved in a rotation with Yeray Alvarez and Aymeric Laporte, and both of those players should see increased playing time if the issue is serious. However, Vivian is now doubtful without further information about his status.
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