Fernando Llorente again had to stop training with Athletic Bilbao earlier than planned today, with it presumed to be for a recurrence of his injury.
The forward, who has yet to appear for the club this season after a contract dispute, began being re-assimilated into first-team affairs almost two weeks ago at the close of the transfer window.
However, he then missed a call-up to the team’s next match against Real Valladolid after suffering a hamstring injury.
Llorente appeared likely to be making his comeback this weekend, as he returned to training once more. However, despite starting the practice match Marcelo Bielsa arranged in training today, the forward was forced to pull out at half-time and continue work by himself, reportedly struggling again with injury.
Meanwhile, Iker Muniain struggled through the session with illness, but did complete the practice match and is expected to be fit for Sunday’s lunchtime kick-off at Espanyol.
Athletic probable XI: Iraizoz; Iraola, Gurpegui, Amorebieta, Inigo Perez; San Jose, De Marcos, Muniain; Susaeta, Aduriz, Isma Lopez
