Marcelo Bielsa has confirmed that Fernando Llorente will start for Athletic Bilbao tomorrow, for the first game since being frozen out this summer.
The Spain striker informed the club of his desire to not renew his contract beyond next summer and was originally barred from first-team duties as a result.
Gradually brought back into things as the transfer window shut and he remained at the club, Llorente has so far only been restricted to appearances from the bench.
However, for the Copa del Rey first leg round of 32 meeting with Eibar, which kicks off tomorrow at 11am UK time, the striker is set to start, with Bielsa revealing his intended starting line-up at today’s Press conference.
“To discover Llorente and his area of influence on Athletic would be redundant,” commented Bielsa in answering why the player was back in the first XI.
“He knows what he can give the team. He is a reference player, with goals and a great aerial play.”
Athletic team to play Eibar tomorrow: Raul; Iraola, San Jose, Amorebieta, Aurtenetxe; Iturraspe, Toquero, Herrera, Susaeta, Ibai; Llorente
