Valverde: "We'll have to dig deep for the win"

Ernesto Valverde made it clear that his Athletic Club players will need to give it everything to pick all up three points against Getafe CF at the Coliseum on Sunday afternoon (14:00 CEST).

The two sides, eighth and ninth in LaLiga, but level on 38 points, both have sixth-placed Celta Vigo - on 41 points - in their sights.

The gaffer is expecting an intense match against Jose Bordalas' side, who had won three of their last five fixture before the international break.

"It will be a close-fought match with plenty of individual battles, so we’ll need to stay alert," Valverde said at his pre-match press conference.

"They're in one of their best moments of the season. We're level on points in the table and a win would mean a lot to both of us. We also really need to win away from home

“We lost to them in the first half of the season. Getafe are a team that defend very tightly as a unit, but then press high up the pitch.

“Second balls and loose balls will be crucial. They’re a nuisance for any team and we’ll have to dig deep to win."

The international break has seen several Lions return to the fold. Yeray, Maroan, Unai Egiluz and Nico Williams are all back in the matchday squad, much to the Athletic head coach's delight.

He said: “A lot of players are back. Yeray, Maroan, Egiluz and Nico… Gorosabel wasn’t able to finish training, but otherwise we’re really happy to be getting players back after such a long time.

"As for Yeray, we were all eagerly awaiting this moment. It’s been a very long 10 months and he’s a very important player for us."

"There are nine games left and he’s in great physical shape. What’s more, he’s adapted to the demands and the distances involved. We know he’s ready."