World Cup winners fit into Terzic's Athletic debut plan

Athletic face their first competitive week of the Bundesliga 2026-27 season with the return of their World Cup winners. Nico and Laporte, who enjoyed a break after winning the World Cup with Spain's national team, rejoined training last Monday and are building fitness this week ahead of their debut.

Terzic has five more training sessions before the opening match, scheduled for the weekend against Sevilla. The manager already tested some players in a friendly against Atalanta, where he fielded only Simón, who looks set to start. The two Spanish internationals didn't play that match as Terzic felt the timing was too soon in their return.

Demanding schedule and injury concerns

After Sevilla, Athletic face a grueling schedule. On August 27, they travel to Barcelona, and four days later face Celta away on August 30.

According to MARCA, the only confirmed injury absence is Vivian, who is recovering from a groin injury. Additionally, Gorosabel and Vencedor haven't featured in pre-season as they work on exits: the fullback is negotiating a move to top flight football and the midfielder has second-tier offers. Both are on the market ahead of the September 1 deadline.