Unai Egiluz: "My dream is to play at San Mamés"

Unai Egiluz reiterated that he is determined to make a San Mames debut as he returns to full training after a long injury absence.

Since tearing his right cruciate ligament during a pre-season match on 30 July, the centre-back has worked tirelessly to regain fitness and be available for selection.

In a press conference on Wednesday morning, Unai was asked how he felt in the summer, after his loan spell at CD Mirandes ended and he faced an uncertain future.

He said: "It was a special summer because the season with Mirandés ended late and I didn't want to focus on anything else, but then Athletic, my boyhood team, called me [to sign a senior contract], and I didn't have to think twice.

"I've grown up at Lezama and my dream is to play at San Mamés and be part of this squad, so I renewed my deal without hesitation. After that, I suffered a setback with my knee injury, but I've focused on bouncing back."

Egiluz was registered with the senior squad at the end of the winter transfer window, being given the no.13 jersey, and on Wednesday morning he took part in his first group-training session of the season.

"I'm doing well, very happy because the process is going well and I'm ready to return to the team," the centre-back said

"It's been a long time, but I'm happy with how I've handled it because I've done everything I can. I don't have a fixed return date. For now, I'm focusing on training with the group, and if the manager thinks I'm at 100%, hopefully he'll put me in the squad and play me."

Egiluz admitted that training with the team again "is a huge reward" after being sidelined for so long, saying: "You're in so much pain, you can't even get out of bed, so feeling good enough to play again makes you appreciate things much more."

He praised the defenders that have stood up during a difficult time for Athletic's backline, with several injuries and suspensions seeing the defence change regularly.

As players slowly recover and return to action, Unai is expecting there to be plenty of competition for a place in the starting XI.

He added: "Everyone that's had to play in my position has performed at a high level. On top of that, the fact that Yeray has returned to training after such a long process is great news for everyone.

"If you don't want competition, this isn't for you. It's up to me to prove my worth as a footballer."