Prados’ Season-Ending Injury Deals Blow to Athletic Club Ahead of Champions League Return

Bilbao, Sep 16: Athletic Club received a major setback on the eve of its Champions League return after 11 years as midfielder Benat Prados suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee during training last week.

The club confirmed that the 24-year-old, a product of Athletic’s youth academy, will miss the remainder of the season. “Tests carried out by Athletic Club’s medical services reveal that first-team player Benat Prados has suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Surgery will be scheduled soon, and updates on his recovery will follow,” the club said.

Prados made 45 appearances last season and 33 the previous campaign after returning from a loan at second-division side Mirandes. While he was the third-choice central midfielder under coach Ernesto Valverde, his experience would have been valuable across a season that includes the Champions League, La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup.

Coach Valverde is expected to rely on veteran Mikel Vesga and B-team product Alejandro Rego to cover for Prados’ absence. Athletic Club will face Premier League side Arsenal in their Champions League opener on Tuesday.

Athletic Club last participated in the Champions League group stage in the 2014/15 season, with only one other appearance in 1998/99. Last season, the Spanish side dominated at home in the UEFA Europa League, winning all four league phase matches and victories against Roma and Rangers in knockout rounds, before a 3-0 home loss to Manchester United in the semi-finals.

The injury to Prados represents a significant challenge for Athletic Club as it seeks to make an impact in Europe’s elite competition.