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Athletic Bilbao have not had the best of preparations for their Champions League match against Newcastle United.

Last weekend they lost 1-0 at home to Getafe.

Then the big Basque derby on Saturday saw Athletic Bilbao lose 3-2 to arch rivals Real Sociedad.

Twice coming from behind, Athletic Bilbao conceded the final goal in added time. Real Sociedad rising to three points clear of the relegation zone, two points below their derby rivals who are 11th in La Liga.

Athletic Bilbao could now be facing Newcastle United without star player Nico Williams.

The Spain international has an ongoing significant injury issue and could require surgery. Nico Williams is suffering from Pubalgia (‘A soft-tissue injury in the groin or lower abdomen caused by torn muscles or tendons, often from repetitive twisting or forceful movements in sports like football’).

Nico Williams played the full game when Athletic Bilbao lost at home to Getafe. However, even though it was their massive Basque derby clash on Saturday, their star player wasn’t in any condition to start.

Ernesto Valverde (pictured above) admitted this after Saturday’s defeat and clearly it was a desperate throw of the dice to introduce his star...