Gurpegi cleared again

The midfielder saw his player's licence suspended by the Spanish Sporting Disciplinary Committee (CEDD) last month after originally testing positive for 19-norandrosterone, a metabolite of the steroid nandrolone, back in September 2002.

However, Gurpegi, vigorously supported by Athletic, decided to take his case to ordinary law courts in a bid to get the decision reversed.

The 24-year-old has now secured an preliminary edict which will allow him to play on while his case is heard in full by the High Court.

A statement on Athletic's official website read: "In its reasonable judgement, the edict considers that the immediate imposition of the proposed punishment would cause the player irreversible damage should the aforementioned punishment later be reversed.

"Gurpegi will be able to play from today (Wednesday) in every game that the team has until a firm juridicial sentence is passed."

It means that Gurpegi - who has missed three games since his ban last month - will be available for Bilbao's trip to Zaragoza on Thursday.