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The European champions have been dealt a blow after star player underwent surgery on Thursday.
Athletic Club and Spain will be without Unai Simon for several months after undergoing surgery on his right wrist.
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13:18 - 19.07.2024
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How long will Unai Simon be sidelined?
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The 27-year-old Spaniard underwent the procedure on Thursday and is expected to be sidelined for four months.
Simon had been managing a tear in the ligament between the scaphoid and lunate bones with injections, but surgery was ultimately deemed necessary. The goalkeeper's club are prioritising a full recovery and will not rush their shot-stopper back into action.
Simon had revealed that a procedure was in the offing during the Euros.
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“I can confirm I am going to undergo surgery after the Euros,” said the goalkeeper after Spain’s tournament-opening victory over Croatia in June. “The time I’ll be sidelined… we will speak about it later.
“It’s something I haven’t given too much importance to. It does not keep me away from playing, I can train normally, it does not worry me.
“When we finish the Euros, hopefully on July 15, we’ll talk more about this.”
Simon was pivotal for Luis de la Fuente’s men at Euro 2024, featuring in six of the team's seven games en route to their fourth continental success at England's expense, taking him to 46 caps for La Furia Roja.
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What comes next?
His injury is a blow for both Athletic and the Spanish national team, having established himself as a key player for club and country.
According to The Athletic, Simon's absence could see him miss up to 14 LaLiga matches and four Europa League fixtures depending on the recovery timeline, and the goalkeeper’s absence potentially rules him out of Nations League matches with Spain in September and October.
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