Spanish teenage sensation, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Iker-Muniain-c16816, unlikely to start for Athletic Bilbao as they lock horns with Rayo Vallecano in La Liga.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Marcelo-c23554 Bielsa, acknowledged that despite being included in the 19-man squad, Iker Muniain is doubtful to start against Rayo Vallecano due to a "contusion" in his hip.
The Argentine coach stated that they will look at his situation on match-day.
"It is decided that we will have Muniain. Let's see tomorrow how he evolves," he said.
In addition to Muniain, Athletic will be without the services of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/David-c10409 Lopez in the starting line-up.
Bielsa also revealed that http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Mikel-San-José-c25718 will retain his position in the centre of defence while first-choice defender, Javi Martinez, will not be starting the game due to an overload in his right thigh.
"Neither http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Martinez-c24468 nor Muniain have serious problems but they are not fully recovered," he clarified.
Bilbao will return their attention to Copa del Rey after playing against Rayo Vallecano, where they take on the challenge of an inspired Mirandes. The Argentine tactician stated Bilbao have a tough schedule ahead of them but they will
take each step in appropriate time.
Regarding their imminent rivals, Bielsa was full of praise for the work done by Jose http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ramon-c30533 Sandoval. He stated that the Madrid-based club are a compact unit who can use their strengths to their advantage.
The former Newell's Old Boys player also had words of appraisal for Athletic Club preside, Joshua Urrutia, who earlier labelled Biesla as "the ideal coach for the project" in Bilbao. Bielsa thanked http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Joshua-c19541 for his kind words and stated
that he would like to continue with the club.
"I am especially grateful to be expressed that way. When I am offered the contract when the season ends I would appreciate the opportunity to continue and understand that the president's comment runs counter to the established agreement,"
he stated.
The Basque club are seventh in La Liga points table, with only four points adrift from the Champions League qualifying position.
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