The hopes of Barcelona of getting the better of Athletic Club next weekend have today been afforded a boost.
As much comes after Ernesto Valverde and his squad were dealt a double blow on the personnel front.
Athletic marked their return to action earlier today, making the trip to Real Betis for a La Liga clash.
The Basque outfit headed into proceedings with sights set firmly on three points, in the hopes of building further momentum ahead of an upcoming Copa del Rey semi-final 2nd leg meeting with Atlético Madrid.
When all was said and done, however, a disappointing display ultimately culminated in Athletic being condemned to a deserved 3-1 defeat.
And yet, as alluded to above, Los Leones’ woes were not confined solely to the eventual result on Sunday.
In addition, they were dealt not one, but two blows on the personnel front.
First, late in the first-half, star attacker Nico Williams was sent for an early bath, owing to a quick-fire pair of yellow cards.
As much means that the 21-year-old will be suspended for Athletic’s next outing, a home meeting with heavyweights Barcelona a week from today.
And joining Williams in being unavailable for selection to boss Valverde could well be Yuri Berchiche, after the defender was forced into a premature departure against Betis, with an injury problem.
Conor Laird | GSFN
