ATHLETIC NEWS

Asier Villalibre - Tests negative Villalibre (hamstring) tested negative for COVID-19 and returned to training Wednesday, according to his club.

Impact Villalibre is still working his way back from a hamstring issue that's kept him out for over a month now, though he's at least able to restart his recovery without being stuck at home. When he does eventually return, it's likely that he'll compete with Raul Garcia for a place as the backup striker.

JANUARY 5, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Raul Garcia - Back in training Garcia returned to training Wednesday after testing negative for COVID-19, just ahead of Thursday's Copa del Rey trip to Atletico Mancha Real.

Impact Garcia only missed one match due to his positive test but could easily have lost his place in the lineup after Oihan Sancet scored a hat trick in Monday's win over Osasuna. It's some unfortunate timing personally for Garcia, but he had only scored once in his previous 10 appearances and a change was probably on the horizon already.

JANUARY 5, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Unai Nunez - Tests negative for COVID-19 Nunez tested negative for COVID-19 and returned to training in Wednesday's session.

Impact Nunez had started two straight games before picking up a positive test in a club-wide outbreak, which is certainly some unfortunate timing. With Yeray Alvarez regularly playing and Inigo Martinez returning from his own absence due to COVID-19, Nunez could end up on the bench if he's not careful.

JANUARY 5, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Inigo Lekue - Returns to training Lekue returned to training Wednesday after testing negative for COVID-19.

Impact Lekue missed Monday's 3-1 win over Osasuna after a large outbreak swept through the squad but he's now back ahead of Thursday's Copa del Rey trip to Jaen, home of Atletico Mancha Real. With starts in all but two of his appearances this season but also the recent strong form of Oscar de Marcos, Lekue has a competition on his hands to make a quick return to the lineup.

JANUARY 5, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Oier Zarraga - Back in training Zarraga returned to training during Wednesday's session after testing negative for COVID-19, according to Athletic Club.

Impact Zarraga missed just Monday's win over Osasuna due to his positive test as the winter break meant only one fixture was played over the last two weeks. He'll now work hard ahead of Thursday's Copa del Rey match at Atletico Mancha Real, and the form of Nico Williams and Alex Berenguer means that he''l have to work hard for further opportunities.

JANUARY 5, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Southampton to announce takeover Southampton are close to announcing a takeover of the club.The Athletic understands Gao Jisheng, the majority shareholder, has completed a d...

JANUARY 4, 2022 • THEATHLETIC.COM

Darnell Mayberry: After three: Bulls 69, Magic 66. Despite the... - The Athletic After three: Bulls 69, Magic 66. Despite the three-point margin, it doesn't feel like the outcome is in doubt here. The Bulls are playing th...

JANUARY 4, 2022 • THEATHLETIC.COM

Unai Simon - Concedes one in win Simon conceded one goal and made three saves during Monday's 3-1 win over Osasuna.

Impact Simon returned from a positive COVID-19 test and was able to secure a first win in his last nine starts. It's a good thing that the attack found some form while he was out, as Simon remains one of the strongest at his position and even a little support is enough for him to secure a positive result. He'll now travel to Deportivo Alaves, which have scored the third-fewest goals in the league.

JANUARY 4, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Nicholas Williams - Creates two chances off bench Williams created two chances in 15 minutes off the bench during Monday's 3-1 win over Osasuna.

Impact The bigger gain for Williams was avoiding a dangerous tackle from Chimy Avila in stoppage time as he's come off the bench in two straight matches. With a growing reputation as a strong dribbler, Williams is always a fun player to watch though it may take time to see him become a consistent starter. For now, a potential injury for Alex Berenguer could see Williams return to the lineup in the next match at Deportivo Alaves.

JANUARY 4, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Oihan Sancet - Collects hat trick in win Sancet scored three goals from five shots (three on goal) during Monday's 3-1 win over Osasuna.

Impact Sancet has scored four times in his last two matches while also providing two assists against Betis in the game before that. While long just considered a talented prospect, the waning form of Raul Garcia and Sancet's own solid play have finally started to pay off as we move from 2021 into 2022. He'll now focus on a trip to Deportivo Alaves, which have conceded the third-most goals in La Liga.

JANUARY 4, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Alex Berenguer - Logs assist against Osasuna Berenguer provided one assist from one chance created and took five shots (one on goal) in 75 minutes of Monday's 3-1 win over Osasuna.

Impact Berenguer came back from his COVID-19 isolation and made his first start in almost two months, setting up Oihan Sancet's third goal of the night. The competition for minutes has gotten stronger thanks to the fine play of Nico Williams, but Berenguer still took his chance to prove he can be productive when on the pitch. There's also a possibility that he's picked up an arm injury during the match, so his availability could remain limited in the next match against Deportivo Alaves.

JANUARY 4, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Darnell Mayberry: After one: Magic 21, Bulls 15. It was a... - The Athletic After one: Magic 21, Bulls 15. It was a struggle offensively for Chicago throughout, and the Bulls finished just one point better than their...

JANUARY 4, 2022 • THEATHLETIC.COM

Oscar De Marcos - Provides assist in win De Marcos provided one assist from three chances created and won six-of-seven tackles during Monday's 3-1 win over Osasuna.

Impact De Marcos has played a key role in the improving form of his club with one goal and two assists over the last three matches. Including this impressive tackling display, he's done well to earn a place in the lineup after only playing in seven of the first 17 games to begin the season. Up next is a trip to Deportivo Alaves, which have conceded the third-most goals in the league.

JANUARY 4, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Inaki Williams - Logs assist in win Williams provided one assist from three chances created and put three shots off target during Monday's 3-1 win over Osasuna.

Impact Williams has recorded two goals from eight shots and one assist from four chances created over his last three matches. As a player often derided for his inconsistency, this is an important time to take advantage of his and his teammate's good form. He'll next face Deportivo Alaves, which are tied for the most goals conceded to forwards in the league.

JANUARY 4, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Peru Nolaskoain - Returns in win Nolaskoain logged one minute as a substitute during Monday's 3-1 win over Osasuna.

Impact Nolaskoain hadn't played in two years before returning Monday as knee injuries kept happening right as he was next ready to play. He's likely to serve a backup role now that he's back, but the depth at full-back has been low and there may be a chance for him to earn minutes quickly.

JANUARY 4, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Sevilla beats Cádiz 1-0 to reduce Real Madrid's Liga lead

Sevilla has cut into Real Madrid’s lead of the Spanish league after winning at Cádiz 1-0

JANUARY 3, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Alex Berenguer - Playing against Osasuna Berenguer (illness) will be in the starting XI versus Osasuna on Monday.

Impact Berenguer will be making his first start since Nov. 19 against Levante, having come off the bench in his prior four contests. The midfielder has racked up 71 crosses (12 accurate) and 42 corners in his 18 matches this year and should be a factor on freekicks moving forward. As such, Berenguer figures to offer top-half fantasy value when he does feature.

JANUARY 3, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Unai Simon - Starting Monday Simon (illness) will be back in the starting XI for Monday's clash with Osasuna.

Impact Simon will don the gloves after two games on the shelf resulting from his COVID-19 positive. Prior to his absence, the keeper made 14 saves, including two clean sheets, while conceding just four goals in his previous five contests.

JANUARY 3, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Dani Vivian - Still out Monday Vivian (groin) will be out of action once again versus Osasuna on Monday.

Impact Vivian has been sidelined since Oct. 26 versus Espanyol, a stretch of nine matches on the shelf due to his groin problem. At this point, the central defender should be considered out indefinitely but figures to be in the mix for a spot in the starting XI once cleared to play.

JANUARY 3, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Inigo Martinez - Gets start Monday Martinez (illness) will be in the starting XI versus Osasuna on Monday.

Impact Martinez is back in the squad following a two-match stint on the sidelines after testing positive for COVID-19. When fit, the defender has started all 15 of his appearances this year in which he recorded two goals on 17 shots (seven on target), 71 clearances and 16 interceptions.

JANUARY 3, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Yuri Berchiche - Starting against Osasuna Berchiche (groin) will feature in the starting XI versus Osasuna on Monday.

Impact Berchiche will be making his first appearance of the season for the club after dealing with a significant groin problem that required surgery. With the defender fully fit, he should be in contention for regular appearances in the starting XI this year considering he featured in 21 of his 23 outings for Athletic last year.

JANUARY 3, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Kevin Fishbain: The Bears' defense was dominant in the first... - The Athletic The Bears' defense was dominant in the first quarter, with two takeaways and two sacks. The offense took advantage of short field with a pai...

JANUARY 2, 2022 • THEATHLETIC.COM

Adam Jahns: Mike Glennon's stat line from the first... - The Athletic Mike Glennon's stat line from the first quarter: 1-for-2, 4 yards, 1 INT, 2 sacks, 16.7 passer rating.

JANUARY 2, 2022 • THEATHLETIC.COM

Dan Pompei: Bears are playing like a team with nothing to... - The Athletic Bears are playing like a team with nothing to lose. Which of course, they are.

JANUARY 2, 2022 • THEATHLETIC.COM