Moroccan forward Maroan Sannadi undergoes successful knee surgery

Athletic Bilbao’s Moroccan striker Maroan Sannadi underwent successful surgery on Monday to repair a meniscus tear in his right knee, the club confirmed.

Doctors performed the operation at Vithas San José Hospital in Vitoria-Gasteiz.

The procedure addressed the lingering injury that troubled Sannadi since the start of the season and forced him to miss Saturday’s Basque derby against Real Sociedad.

The club stated that Sannadi will receive his hospital discharge on Tuesday before beginning his rehabilitation program at the Lezama training centre. Medical staff have not yet set a date for his return to competition.

Sannadi’s absence adds to the growing list of injuries for Athletic Bilbao ahead of their Champions League trip to Newcastle on Wednesday.

The team faces a crucial fixture in the group stage but will have to cope without several key players.

Head coach Ernesto Valverde will also miss Iñaki Williams and Iñigo Lekue, both sidelined with injuries.

Beñat Prados and Unai Egiluz continue their recovery, while Yeray Álvarez remains suspended by UEFA until April following a doping-related sanction.

The situation leaves Valverde with limited options in attack and defense, putting pressure on the squad to maintain form in both domestic and European competitions.

Sannadi’s injury has disrupted his promising start to the campaign, with the Moroccan forward showing strong performances before his setback.

The club’s medical team aims to ensure a full recovery before he returns to action.

Despite the challenges, Bilbao maintains confidence in the depth of their squad.

Valverde continues to prepare his available players for the demanding schedule ahead.

The Basque side hopes Sannadi’s rehabilitation progresses smoothly and that he returns stronger in the coming weeks.