Agirrezabala faces fitness test for possible San Mamés return this weekend | OneFootball

Julen Agirrezabala is nearing the end of his lay-off and could return to Bilbao this weekend, pending a fitness check.

According to AS, the goalkeeper will undergo tests in the next sessions, with a decision due between Friday and Saturday on whether he makes the squad to travel to San Mamés. Carlos Corberán and his staff plan to proceed without haste, as Stole Dimitrievski is currently first choice.

He has trained at the same intensity as his team-mates for several days and the signs are encouraging. Agirrezabala is keen to reappear, even if only on the teamsheet, against Athletic.

He is on loan from the Basque club until the end of the season, and Valencia must decide by 30 June whether to trigger their option to buy, viewed as unlikely given the fee of 10-12 million euros. Before any call on his future, he hopes to get minutes again for Valencia before the campaign ends.

Agirrezabala had been an undisputed starter, with 18 La Liga appearances and one in the Copa, until a muscular problem in January. In March, as he neared a comeback, a meniscus issue required surgery, though it proved less severe than first feared and he was ruled out for eight weeks. He now aims for two strong days of work to make it back home.

Source: AS