Gerard Pique could miss Barcelona’s trip to Athletic

Gerard Pique could miss Barcelona’s trip to Athletic on Saturday in La Liga after being told to rest by the club’s medical team.

The defender felt some discomfort in his calf at the end of Barca’s 4-2 win over Real Sociedad on Sunday and has been advised to take a week off, according to Catalunya Radio.

However, the report adds that Pique has continued to train this week and is pretty keen to play in Barca’s first away game of the new campaign.

Pique started alongside Eric Garcia last time out and scored the game’s opening goal with a header from a Memphis Depay cross. The 34-year-old played the whole 90 minutes, while Eric was subbed off late on for Ronald Araujo.

Ronald Koeman is due to name his squad for the game at Athletic on Friday and is likely to be asked about Pique’s fitness ahead of the game at his pre-match press conference.

The Dutchman does have plenty of other defenders available if he’s unwilling to risk Pique on Saturday. Araujo is probably the favorite to come into the team, while Clement Lenglet and Oscar Mingueza are also options.