Athletic Bilbao's Unai Simon explains battle with wrist injury

The 26-year-old Spanish international and Euro 2024 winner has undergone an operation for a scapho-lunate ligament injury, which will sideline him for four to five months. The procedure involved fixing the damaged ligaments with pins.

"The first two days post-operation were tough and painful, but things are improving," Simon shared in an interview carried by MARCA. "I will have to keep the wrist immobilised for six to eight weeks, followed by rehabilitation. Typically, these injuries take four to five months to heal, but if I recover sooner, that would be a bonus."

Before the surgery, Bilbao's coach Ernesto Valverde, revealed that Simon had volunteered to delay his operation to continue playing, despite the pain, due to a teammate's injury. "When I found out that Julen Agirrezabala had fractured vertebrae, I messaged Mikel Gonzalez to say I would delay my surgery if needed, but they assured me it wasn't necessary," Simon explained. "I've spoken with Julen, and he's resting better now."

Simon elaborated on why he postponed the surgery until after the Euro 2024 tournament rather than addressing it at the end of the previous season or in September when the injury occurred. "Considering the broader context of my situation and the football environment, the best time might have been last September when the injury was severe. I could have had the operation and returned by February.

"But we chose to push through the season and play in the Euros, even though the wrist could have given out by March. It was risky, but I'm satisfied with the decision. I endured pain before the surgery, but who hasn't played a season with some pain? When it became unbearable, I resorted to injections," he admitted.

This lengthy absence will prevent Simon from starting the La Liga season and competing in Athletic's early European matches, marking the longest break of his career. "I had an Achilles tendon injury in March, but that only kept me out for three weeks.

"I've been mentally prepared for this long break since the decision was made. However, it's tough not being able to train with the team. It's something I must accept and deal with," he remarked.

In Simon's absence, Alex Padilla will guard the net at the season's start. Simon expressed confidence in his colleague and Athletic's Oier Gastesi, who has also trained with the first team during pre-season. "Padilla has the qualities to be a professional goalkeeper, but he needs to prove it on the pitch to gain confidence. The same goes for Gastesi. Both have excellent skills and potential," Simon stated.