Álvaro Djaló gets a boost: back after scoring for Guinea-Bissau with Athletic

Álvaro Djaló has been given a fresh opening at Athletic after the international break. As MARCA reports, the winger returned to training at Lezama following a goal with Guinea-Bissau and is set to feature more in the rotation after Nico Williams picked up an injury on international duty. Nico returned with a moderate problem in the rectus anterior of his left leg, and Terzic will start the first match of the upcoming run without him. His availability for the Valencia trip is still uncertain.

Key run away from home

Athletic are preparing for their return in a sequence that includes three consecutive away Liga fixtures: Rayo, Valencia and Levante. The Valencia game was postponed at the time due to heavy rain.

Rotation options

Djaló and Nico Serrano are currently the least-used forwards in the squad. Being deployed as wide players could help them accumulate minutes across this stretch. If Djaló doesn’t start in Vallecas—where Robert Navarro and Berenguer are the more likely choices—Terzic still expects him to play a role. Behind them, Iñaki Williams is seen by the coach as a two-position option, while Johaneko is also favoured for different wide roles.

During Tuesday’s session, Terzic also called up Christian Imga, who was awarded MVP at the UEFA Friendship Cup and has just debuted with Spain U18; his inclusion versus Rayo would be a major surprise.