Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao preview - Duo omitted for Bilbao

Posted Monday, August 27, 2012 by PA

Athletic Bilbao coach Marcelo Bielsa has again left out key men Javi Martinez and Fernando Llorente for Monday's match at Atletico Madrid.

The duo have been heavily linked with moves away from the San Mames and both missed last weekend's 5-3 home defeat to Real Betis as well as the 6-0 midweek Europa League triumph over HJK Helsinki.

Atletico boss Marco Simone, however, does not believes their absence will have too much of a negative effect on the Basque side.

"I expect a competitive team. I know the coaching staff and I know that adversity will not stop them," he told the official website.

"They are strong and they work well. As a result, I expect the best Athletic, the team that featured in the last championship, in the Cup and the League.

"We hope to put in a good performance and a positive result back in the Calderon, where it is a joy for the players and for us all."

Jon Aurtenetxe, Fernando Amorebieta and Ander Iturraspe are all missing for Bilbao's trip to the Spanish capital which sees a repeat of last season's Europa League final.

For the hosts Filipe and Juanfran could return after missing the 1-1 draw with Levante last weekend.

The game falls just four days before their Super Cup clash with Chelsea in Monaco, but midfielder Mario Suarez is adamant they are only thinking about Athletic.

"The times are what they are and we have to live with it," he said.

"We're focused on playing on Monday against Athletic, a very important game for us in the League.

"We cannot think of anything else. When it's over, we will think about the next one."