Newly-promoted Hercules will prepare to begin life in the Primera Division for the first time in over a decade.

Paraguay forward Nelson Haedo Valdez, Senegal defender Mohamed Sarr and Dutch goalkeeper Piet Velthuizen are still not in shape and will miss tomorrow's match at home to Athletic Bilbao.

Experienced midfielder Javier Farinos is out with a muscle problem he sustained at the end of last season.

Coach Esteban Vigo hopes to be able to select his three new players in the near future.

"I'm a bit concerned because they are behind schedule and I would like to be ready as soon as possible," Vigo said.

Hercules still hope to sign another striker before the transfer window closes on Tuesday and the Alicante-based club have been linked with a move for Juventus forward David Trezeguet.

Athletic Bilbao, meanwhile, will start the season in a positive mood after the club managed to keep hold of their two prized assets in the summer.

Spain stars Fernando Llorente and Javi Martinez were both linked with moves, but the two remain at San Mames and will face Hercules.

Athletic missed out on a place in Europe last year, but Martinez believes this season could be special for the Basque outfit.

"Last year we decided to leave thoughts of relegation behind and fight for greater objectives - we want to keep making progress," Martinez said this week.

No major signings have arrived, but coach Joaquin Caparros will rely on the club's prolific youth system to improve on last season's eighth-place finish.

Striker Ion Velez is set to miss out through injury on Saturday, but Athletic will otherwise be at full strength.