It was confirmed by the official Athletic Club site, that Aymeric Laporte will be out for around  eight weeks. This is a big blow for the side  as they are competing for the Europa League and aiming to finish in a high position in the league.

Euro 2016 chances dented

Aymeric Laporte was already a few names down in the pecking order to start in the France roster for the Euros, but now his injury will decrease his little chance even more. Athletic Club stated that: “After the first scan, Aymeric Laporte has been diagnosed with a fracture-dislocation of the fibula and right ankle."

As a result, he will most likely miss the remainder of the season, while having a slight chance of returning to a 100% condition just before the Euro 2016.

Laporte hasn’t made a big breakthrough, he plays regulary for the France U21s side. His U21 national team took three vital points against Scotland on Thursday night as they are currently leading the qualifying group stage with 13 points.

France's U21s are pretty much rolling ahead to qualify for the U21 2017 Championships, Laporte has also scored in the qualifiers during a 3-2 defeat to Iceland early in the group stage.

Big blow for Athletic

Athletic Club will be making some tough decisions, as it will be hard to decide who will cover Laporte’s spot in the eleven for the rest of the season. Laporte has been fantastic for the Basque side this season, netting three goals and is the fifth most used player this campaign.

However, he has also had a few behaviour problems too, picking up seven yellow cards and two red cards this season.

The Frenchman has been linked with a move to Barcelona, Man Utd and Man City many times in the past few weeks.

Eneko Boveda or Gorka Elustondo will most likely take Laporte’s position; will be a hard job to replace the Frenchman. Laporte has been a tough man to beat in an aerial duel, has become really confident on the ball and isn’t afraid to take the ball forward.

This will be a tough period for Athletic Club to go through, and it is time to see how they can survive without him for the remainder of the season. 

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