Koski springs a surprise before Alavés-Atlético: Quique has the final word

Deportivo Alavés

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Ville Koski
2.300.000€-30.000€?

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The Deportivo Alavés has received positive news on the eve of its clash with the Atlético de Madrid, scheduled for this Saturday at 4:15 pm at Mendizorroza. Koski has returned to work with the rest of the squad at Ibaia, after several days of individual recovery due to discomfort in his right quadriceps.

The 24-year-old centre-back suffered the injury a week ago during his training camp with Finland. Early estimates suggested he would be out for between one and two weeks, so his return was initially expected for the match against Celta de Vigo on Sunday, October 18 at 4:15 pm at Balaídos.

His recovery has been more positive than expected. Since returning to Vitoria on Monday, Koski has been under the supervision of the club's medical staff, who carried out an MRI scan. The tests ruled out a muscle tear, although they confirmed a problem that required rest and monitoring.

Quique will decide whether Koski makes the squad

The work carried out during the week with the physiotherapists has allowed the Finland international to rejoin the group in the final session before the match. A test that has left him with good feelings, but it does not guarantee he will be in the starting lineup against Diego Simeone's side.

Quique Sánchez Flores had already shown caution on Thursday when talking about his recovery: «Va evolucionando bien, a su manera, y nos dan buenas noticias. Pero hasta que no tenga el alta definitiva y no sepamos cómo está no vamos a hacer cábalas».

The defender had been released by the Finland national team after the injury was detected and did not feature in the Nations League match against Albania. His early return has allowed Alavés to assess the issue and start treatment as soon as possible.

The coaching staff does not want to take risks with Koski, despite his improvement. Quique has Nahuel Tenaglia, Jonny Otto and Nicolás Valentini as possible defensive starters against Atlético, while Xanet Olaiz and Carlos Benavídez are also among the options available.