Areso returns to Valverde's starting XI after two and a half months | OneFootball

El Correo reports that Jesús Areso has been restored to Ernesto Valverde's starting XI two and a half months after his previous start.

The Navarrese full-back had not begun a match since the 1-1 draw at Rayo Vallecano on 28 February, underlining his dwindling prominence despite being one of this season's costliest signings at 12 million.

From Vallecas he virtually fell out of the coach's plans, with six consecutive league games without a minute. Since then he has made only four cameos, three in the league and one in the Copa semi-final second leg in San Sebastián, across his last 10 fixtures.

It is an unusual spell for Areso, with Valverde the first coach under whom he has not been an automatic starter. He has logged 1,892 minutes, the 15th most in the squad, and one assist.

Competition has told, as Iñigo Lekue, who is leaving football after receiving no renewal offer, and Andoni Gorosabel, signed on a free from Alavés, have taken many of the minutes. Areso has been left with an unexpectedly secondary role.

Source: El Correo