Gurpegui hit with two-year ban

The 23-year-old tested positive for 19-norandrosterone, a metabolite of the steroid nandrolone, after the opening league clash of last year against Real Sociedad.

Gurpegi was initially handed a provisional ban in February when the results of his positive test were first revealed, but that was then wiped out by the CEDD pending their final decision.

During that time the player has been allowed to play for Athletic, and has been an ever-present for the Basque outfit this term.

Bilbao have revealed they plan to fight the latest ruling on their player in the law courts, and have asked for the ban to be lifted while the case goes to court.

Both the player and his club plan to hold a press conference on Tuesday to explain their position.