Athletic wary of confident Getafe

By Andy Hall

Athletic Club Bilbao welcome Getafe CF to their San Mamés stadium tonight, just four days after Getafe inflicted a 2-1 defeat on their illustrious Madrid neighbours, Real Madrid CF.

Fernández out
That result leaves Quique Sánchez Flores's team in 15th position in the Primera División with 32 points, eight clear of the relegation zone. On-loan midfielder Gabi Fernández will miss the encounter after tearing a knee ligament and will likely be replaced by Cameroonian international Daniel Kome.

Valverde positive
Athletic, with a six-point advantage over the visitors, are in tenth place but they too have injury worries. Central defender Aitor Karanka has been ruled out for the season, also with a knee injury, and joins Fran Yeste, Javier Casas and left-back Asier Del Horno on the sidelines. Coach Ernesto Valverde remains positive, however: "Even if we beat Getafe, our league position will not change, but we would be two points nearer to a UEFA Cup place and only four away from securing a UEFA Champions League spot."