Athletic call up youth Imga after Nico injury for Rayo trip

Athletic travel to Rayo with a fresh problem in the form of Nico’s injury, which has led the club to include Imga—a youth player—in the travelling party for Vallecas. As MARCA reports, Nico picked up the problem while on international duty.

Rayo back in their ground

The Rayo get back to Vallecas after their early-season exile, having played their first three home games in Leganés. They gathered seven points from nine against Alavés, Racing Santander and Espanyol. Coach Beñat San José is aiming to match that momentum with Iñigo and could line up his front trio: De Frutos, Isi and Álvaro, with Sergio Camello as D’Artagnan. Audero is expected in goal after winning the Copa de Asia, while the only doubt is left-back Adriá Pedrosa, who has been carrying discomfort.

Athletic missing key pieces

Athletic are also dealing with absences: alongside Nico, Sancet has been left out after going down K.O. in training, and Laporte will not travel due to illness. With that situation, Terzic has turned to the reserve team, bringing Imga after he was named MVP at the last U-18 tournament involving the Spain national youth set-up.

Goal focus and schedule

For Rayo, the break has hurt their rhythm: their forward arrived at the stoppage on seven goals, one of the biggest early-season standout scorers. On Athletic’s side, the league spotlight falls on Guruzeta, who is still waiting for his first goal of the campaign—he has scored just once in eight league matches versus Rayo. After this game, Athletic face Valencia and Levante in the league before starting the Copa del Rey first knockout round away.