Athletic Club v Arsenal match preview
Athletic Club manager Ernesto Valverde was a Champions League semi-finalist as Barcelona boss in 2018/19, but the former Lions forward did not sound like a coach expecting much from his side in this season’s competition when he spoke after their first defeat of the season on Saturday.
“Our primary objective since the start of the season has been the league and then [there are] other competitions in which we have to compete,” Valverde said, adding that his players “lacked spark” in their 1-0 home defeat to Alaves.
“We’ll try to compete with [Arsenal], who are undoubtedly candidates to win the [Champions League].
“We’re newcomers but we want to compete. Our focus is the three points we lost [against Alaves] and that are not going to come back. We need more rhythm and we need to rediscover our game more.”
🎥 INSIDE I A bittersweet evening in a derby in which @Laporte stepped on to the San Mames pitch to greet the fans after full-time.
🇪🇺 It’s time to recover and focus on the @ChampionsLeague.
🧣 See you on Tuesday at The Cathedral!#AthleticAlavés #AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/Iyr2cmWttJ
— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) September 14, 2025
One of the players the meanest defence in last season’s LaLiga are likely to have to stop is new Arsenal forward Noni Madueke, who is poised to make his first Champions League appearance since featuring for PSV in qualifying in 2021/22.
“As the season goes on, you’ll see an even more clinical Arsenal side,” Madueke told Arsenal’s website after their 3-0 Premier League home win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
“We probably could have scored even more goals today, but that’s the process – we’re four games into the season.
“[Eberechi Eze] and I play similarly in terms of we don’t really think much – we just play what we see. In terms of the collective unit, [manager] Mikel [Arteta] gives us freedom to get the ball and to try and be dynamic and positive.”
Athletic Club v Arsenal team news
Arguably Athletic Club’s most dangerous attacking threat, winger Nico Williams, is a doubt with a left adductor muscle injury.
Centre-back Yeray Alvarez is banned until April 2 after unintentionally taking an unauthorised substance.
The 30-year-old apologised and explained the situation in a press conference last week, adding that his lawyers are “examining all the documentation” and “will assess what to do” over a possible appeal.
One of Alvarez’s potential deputees, Unai Egiluz, is out after knee surgery, but central defender Aymeric Laporte was presented to fans on Saturday after completing a protracted return to the club.
Laporte had faced doubts over whether Fifa would formalise his move from Al-Nassr because of how close to the closure of the transfer window it took place.
❤️ Welcome back to your home, @Laporte#AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/WEQCZbnrbS
— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) September 13, 2025
“When they told me that everything was okay, there was great emotion and tears in the family,” said Laporte, although Athletic Club may not be able to register the 31-year-old for the Champions League until after the league phase, with Goal suggesting his new team could request special dispensation from UEFA.
Attacking midfielder Oihan Sancet, who scored 15 goals last season, is out with a knee injury, as is midfielder Benat Prados with a hamstring problem.
Captain Martin Odegaard is a doubt for Arsenal with a shoulder injury but Arteta suggested defender William Saliba could be in contention following an ankle issue.
Forwards Kai Havertz (knee) and Bukayo Saka (thigh) are out, while midfielder Christian Norgaard missed the victory over Forest with a minor issue and full-back Ben White, who had been an injury doubt, was an unused substitute.
On-loan Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie could make his debut, having remained on the bench against Forest.
Declan Rice is likely to be restored in midfield after being given something of a rest, replacing Viktor Gyokeres for the final 28 minutes.
Athletic Club v Arsenal predicted lineups
Athletic Club starting XI: Unai Simon, Jesus Areso, Dani Vivian, Aitor Paredes, Yuri Berchiche, Mikel Jauregizar, Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta, Alex Berenguer, Robert Navarro, Inaki Williams, Gorka Guruzeta
Arsenal starting XI: David Raya, Jurrien Timber, Cristhian Mosquera, Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Merino, Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke
