Atalanta hit by double injury blow ahead of Serie A opener
Atalanta confirm Charles De Ketelaere and Honest Ahanor have adductor strains, ruling them out of the Athletic Club friendly. Both are low grade, but they face a race to be fit for the season opener.
Double injury concern for Atalanta
Atalanta have been dealt a fresh injury setback just days before the start of the new season, with Charles De Ketelaere and Honest Ahanor both ruled out of Friday's final pre-season friendly against Athletic Club.
The club confirmed on Thursday that both players sustained muscular injuries during training in Bergamo on Wednesday. Scans revealed De Ketelaere has a low-grade strain of the adductor in his left leg, while defender Ahanor has a similar issue in his right leg.
According to a statement on the club's official website, the injuries are not considered serious, but both players will be rested and their conditions evaluated over the next few days. That means they will definitely miss the Trofeo Bortolotti clash with Athletic Club at the New Balance Arena on Friday.
Pre-season disruption
The double blow adds to an already concerning list of absentees for Gian Piero Gasperini's side. Kamaldeen Sulemana remains sidelined after being ruled out for two months with a knee ligament injury, leaving Atalanta short of attacking options ahead of a crucial period.
La Dea face a demanding start to the campaign, beginning with the Conference League play-off against Hapoel Tel-Aviv on August 20, followed by the second leg on August 27. Sandwiched between those European ties is their Serie A opener at home to Sassuolo on August 23.
With De Ketelaere and Ahanor now doubts for those fixtures, Gasperini will be hoping the low-grade nature of the strains means a swift return. However, the club's cautious approach suggests neither will be rushed back, and their availability for the season opener remains uncertain.
Atalanta's medical staff will continue to monitor both players over the coming days, with further updates expected ahead of the Hapoel Tel-Aviv tie. The club will be keen to avoid any long-term issues, especially with such a congested start to the season.
For now, the focus shifts to Friday's friendly, where Atalanta will get one final chance to fine-tune their preparations before competitive action begins. Fans will be hoping the injury list does not grow any longer.
