Athletic Bilbao head coach Ernesto Valverde has admitted that Nico Serrano may deserve more playing time, as the team prepares for their penultimate away match of the La Liga season against Espanyol on Wednesday.
Valverde’s side has traveled to Barcelona for the midweek clash, with upcoming fixtures including a home finale against Celta Vigo at San Mamés and a season-closing trip to the Bernabéu. The coach has named a 23-man squad but is without injured duo Nico Williams and Oihan Sancet, both sidelined with muscle problems. Left-back Yuri Berchiche is also absent, still recovering from a knock sustained in the previous match against Valencia.
The absence of two key attackers has opened the door for Nico Serrano. Speaking before the trip, Valverde acknowledged that the young forward might have been used more this season, noting that “when the game is flowing, he can contribute and create danger.” Serrano did not feature in the win over Valencia and could now be in contention for a starting role.
Meanwhile, Álex Galarreta has returned to the squad after missing Sunday’s game due to the birth of his second child. Óscar Lecue has been included following Yuri’s absence, while youngsters Maroan Sannadi and Aitor Egiluz have also made the trip. Maroan has played only one match since undergoing meniscus surgery in November, and Egiluz has been out since suffering a cruciate ligament injury last summer.
