MIKEL VESGA NEWS

Unused Wednesday Vesga was an unused option during the UEL match versus Prague.

Impact Vesga was back as an option for the first time since Sep 29 after picking up an ankle injury. He will likely return to his rotational role in the defensive midfield for Athletic Club, totaling four starts in seven La Liga appearances, logging in six interceptions, five tackles and four clearances.

OCTOBER 25 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out Saturday Vesga (hamstring) is not in the squad to face Espanyol on Saturday.

Impact Vesga remained a doubt in the buildup to the match as he'll now miss his third straight match in all competitions. The midfielder will hope to return in mid week Europa League action against Slavia Prague.

OCTOBER 19 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable to face Espanyol Vesga (hamstring) is questionable for Saturday's match against Espanyol, according to manager Ernesto Valverde. "Mikel has a small problem and we don't know if it will arrive."

Impact Vesga will be a late call Saturday, likely facing a late fitness test to decide his availability. Even if he is an option, it appears he is still feeling some discomfort and likely has little chance of seeing a start. That said, he will only see time off the bench if selected, with the club taking his return cautiously.

OCTOBER 18 • ROTOWIRE

Out with hamstring Vesga (hamstring) is out for Sunday's trip to Girona, Athletic announced.

Impact Vesga isn't an option for Sunday's trip to Girona as he deals with a hamstring injury. The midfielder will miss one match, but has the international break to try and complete his recovery. He missed last time out in the Europa League as well, so it's clearly an issue that is bothering him more than expected.

OCTOBER 5 • ROTOWIRE

Plays 30 Saturday Vesga (thigh) appeared for 30 minutes off the bench in Saturday's friendly against Stuttgart.

Impact Vesga has cleared himself of an injury after dealing with thigh issues, as he returned to play in a friendly match. This is great news, as he should be considered fit to begin the season. That said, expect him to get the start in the midfield to start the campaign.

AUGUST 14 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to group training Vesga (thigh) was included in team training Friday, according to El Chiringuito TV.

Impact Vesga picked up an injury in his thigh around two weeks ago during a friendly. However, he appears to be recovering well, as he was involved in group training. This is great news for the midfielder, leaving him a decent spot to be fit for the start of the season, likely having his injury tag cleared if he competes in a friendly.

AUGUST 2 • ROTOWIRE

Dealing with thigh issue Vesga suffered a muscle injury in his thigh during their friendly against Burgos, according to his club.

Impact Vesga could be starting the campaign on the injury list, with the midfielder having gone down in pre-season play with a thigh problem. He served in a solid role in the past campaign, starting in 18 of his 27 appearances while notching three goals and one assist. That said, they will hope for a quick recovery and for him to miss time, looking to have him available for their season opener against Getafe on Aug. 15.

JULY 22 • ROTOWIRE

Subbed off against Villarreal Vesga generated one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Villarreal.

Impact Vesga put in a good defensive performance with three tackles and two interceptions before being substituted for Ander Herrera in the 55th minute. While he has contributed to four goals this season, his last involvement was back in January against Sevilla.

APRIL 16 • ROTOWIRE

Plays half Wednesday Vesga (hamstring) played 45 minutes during Wednesday's clash with Barcelona.

Impact Vesga suffered the hamstring injury before Saturday's clash with Valencia, but it appears it was a minor issue in the end. The midfielder is a key piece of the starting XI and, barring some sort of setback, should be back on the pitch for a Sunday trip to Cadiz.

JANUARY 24 • ROTOWIRE

Picks up hamstring injury Vesga picked up a hamstring injury in his left leg and was not an option for Saturday's 1-0 loss to Valencia.

Impact Vesga had started two of the last four matches, recording a goal in that span. This comes after starting five of the last eight games. If the midfielder is not fit for Sunday, then either Ander Hererra or Benat Prados Diaz could get the start in the defensive midfield alongside Ruiz de Galarreta.

JANUARY 23 • ROTOWIRE

Scores goal Vesga scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Thursday's 2-0 win against Sevilla.

Impact After coming to terms on a contract extension, Vesga was added back to Athletic Club's starting XI on Thursday and made an immediate impact by scoring the team's first goal of 2024. Already with three goals across the 2023-24 La Liga, he has tied his goal tally from the 2022-23 La Liga in 22 fewer appearances.

JANUARY 4 • ROTOWIRE

Extending stay with club Vesga agreed to terms on a contract extension with Athletic on Thursday that will keep him with the club through 2026/27.

Impact Vesga has come off the bench in his last two matches following his recovery from a hamstring problem, logging a combined 47 minutes in which he registered one cross (off target), two clearances and two interceptions. Prior to his two-match absence, the midfielder had started 10 of his 11 appearances for the club and should be in contention to reclaim his spot in the starting XI in the new year.

DECEMBER 21, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Healthy for Saturday's clash Vesga (hamstring) is on the team sheet and will be in line for a starting role for Saturday's match against Atletico Madrid, per manager Ernesto Valverde. "Mikel's case is on the l...

Impact Vesga could see a return to the lineup after missing the last two matches with a hamstring injury. He's recorded two goals and one assist in 11 appearances thus far, 10 of them coming as starts. If the midfielder is not fit to start, then Benant Prados Diaz could see the start again in the defensive midfield.

DECEMBER 15, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Scratched from Saturday's match Vesga (undisclosed) was a late scratch from Saturday's lineup against Rayo Vallecano.

Impact Vesga was initially in the lineup, but was scratched during warmups and replaced by Ander Herrera. The full extent of Vesga's injury should be revealed following the match.

DECEMBER 2, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Will be available Sunday Vesga (chest) is available to play against Valencia on Sunday, manager Ernesto Valverde told media, including Alfonso Herran of Diario AS, on Friday.

Impact The central midfielder missed Athletic's last two league matches due to a chest contusion, but he returned to training this week and was deemed available for the weekend contest against Valencia. Given that Vesga has started in each of the seven contests in which he's been available, it wouldn't be shocking if he starts in his return to action.

OCTOBER 27, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Unavailable Friday Vesga was left out of the squad against Almeria on Friday

Impact Vesga had started the first seven matches of the season before being an unused substitute versus Real Sociedad on Saturday. Now, the midfielder figures to miss out completely with an undisclosed injury. Dani Garcia figures to continue featuring in the starting XI with Vesga on the shelf.

OCTOBER 5, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Provides assist in win Vesga assisted once to go with two shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Friday's 2-0 win versus Deportivo Alaves.

Impact Vesga notched his first assist of the season as he delivered a precise through ball to Inaki Williams, who then beat the goalkeeper. In addition to his assist, the midfielder also equaled his season-high with three tackles and four clearances.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Converts two penalties Vesga scored two goals to go with two shots (two on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 4-2 win over Betis. In addition, he was given a yellow card...

Impact Vesga, currently Athletic's main penalty taker, took advantage of sloppy offenses caused by Betis. The defensive midfielder shot to his right with each penalty, and goalkeeper Rui Silva dived the other way both times. Vegas will go into September having completed a strong August, in which he logged his two goals across only three appearances.

AUGUST 28, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Career year in big role Vesga scored three times and assisted three times during 36 appearances (28 starts) in the 2022-23 La Liga season.

Impact Vesga took a major step forward, playing the largest role he has since joining Athletic club. The midfielder contributed to six goals and shot 28 times while creating 20 chances, all career-highs. Vesga will be a consistent starter heading into the 2023-24 pre-season.

JUNE 21, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Returning from suspension Vesga is eligible to feature in Monday's clash against Mallorca after serving a one-game suspension.

Impact Vesga missed Thursday's loss to Sevilla while suspended for yellow card accumulation, but he's started 23 of of Bilbao's 31 La Liga games this season and is likely to slot straight back into the XI in defensive midfield against Mallorca.

APRIL 28, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Set for suspension Vesga was shown a yellow card during Saturday's 2-1 win over Almeria and is set for a one-match ban.

Impact Vesga picked up his fifth yellow card and will be suspended for a Thursday clash with Sevilla. The midfielder has avoided yellow card trouble for the most part but just couldn't stay out of the official's book Saturday. Ander Herrera and Dani Garcia are likely to form a partnership in defensive midfield with Vesga suspended.

APRIL 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Picks up assist Vesga registered an assist and had one shot off target in Saturday's 2-0 win over Real Sociedad.

Impact Vesga picked up his first assist since November and now has three in total to go with his three goals, both of which are career highs for a single season. The midfielder has missed one game so far this campaign, making 22 starts, but he is better known for his defensive work and he offers little in the way of attacking returns.

APRIL 17, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Converts penalty kick Vesga scored one goal to go with five shots (two on target) in Friday's 3-1 victory versus Valladolid. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 90th minute.

Impact Vesga made his first goal since Oct 8 after Joaquin Fernandez' handball in the ball resulted in a penalty kick for Athletic Club. He has not been known as a goal scorer, but has managed to surpass his career high for a single season with three. He also recorded a career high of chances created with 17. The midfielder generated one goal, 11 clearances, 10 tackles (five won) and three chances created in the last seven games.

MARCH 18, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Scores own goal in loss Vesga made two tackles (one won) and one interception and scored an own goal during Sunday's 3-2 loss against Girona.

Impact Vesga had a day to forget here, not only having unimpressive stats but also heading the ball into his own net when trying to clear a free-kick cross during first half's stoppage time. Like many of his fellow holding midfielders, Vesga's fantasy appeal isn't that great because of the overall lack of input on the attacking end.

MARCH 1, 2023 • ROTOWIRE