🤕 Bad news for De Galarreta: out until after the break
· Yahoo Sports
Misfortune has struck Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta at the most crucial stage of the season. The Eibar-born Athletic Club midfielder will not be back on the pitch until after the next international break in March, as a result of the dislocation in his right shoulder that he suffered last Saturday in Vallecas.
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The worst fears have been confirmed after medical tests, forcing the "brain" of the red-and-whites to begin a recovery process that will keep him away from the pitch for the next four weeks.
The incident happened by chance during the match against Rayo Vallecano, when a bad fall after a jump caused Galarreta's shoulder to pop out of place.
The images of the player on the ground, showing clear signs of pain while the medical staff tried to put the joint back in place, already suggested the worst. Although he left the field on his own, replaced by the young Alejandro Rego, the seriousness of the injury will prevent Ernesto Valverde from counting on one of his key pillars during a March full of vital commitments.
This absence is a real blow to the "lions'" plans, as Galarreta will miss matches of the highest importance. The first major gap will be felt this Wednesday in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Sociedad, a derby where his leadership was key. In addition, the midfielder will not be available for league matches against FC Barcelona, Girona, and Real Betis, three direct rivals in the fight for European spots who will test the depth of the Bilbao squad.
In this scenario, "Txingurri" Valverde will be forced to reshape his engine room. Galarreta's absence opens the door for players like Mikel Vesga, Alejandro Rego, or Selton, who will have to step up to maintain the balance and fluidity in the game that the number '16' provides.
If the recovery timeline goes as planned, Galarreta could be cleared to play by the first weekend of April, coinciding with the visit to Getafe CF. Until then, San Mamés will have to learn to compete without the compass that has guided the team all season, hoping that his return will be the final boost for a historic end to the campaign.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.