Athletic Bilbao's Gurpegi Happy With 'Just' A Broken Nose

Whilst a broken nose might not often be considered a blessing in sport, it certainly is for Carlos Gurpegi, the Athletic Bibao forward who was knocked unconscious after a clash with Iván Cuellar the weekend.

The collision has left Cuellar with an injury that means he is out for four months, and speaking to AS today, Gurpegi says he is happy with his own injuries.

"When I saw those images on Monday they had an impact, especially when I am on the ground and was having convulsions," he declared.

"It all comes into your head and therefore to be here and to only have a broken nose in plaster makes me very happy and I give thanks."

Gurpegi was speaking to the press with a large plaster cast over his nose and cheekbones, and he explained exactly what he remembered, or didn't, from the incident.

"I continued to watch the ball [from the free-kick] and, the next thing I remember, I was in the dressing room. What happened to me on the pitch I do not know," he mused.

The incident came right at the end of the match, which Athletic won 3-0, and Gurpegi said today that he hopes to speak to Cuellar this week and to be able to 'give him a hug' in the return match at El Molinón.

It is not known exactly how long he will be out for, but the player was optimistic today as he predicted he could be in the squad for the Espanyol game after Christmas.

He also thanked everyone for all their support, especially the coach of Sporting Gijón, Manolo Preciado, who he said "took the time to approach the stretcher and talk to him, and that is something that is big."

James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com


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