Ilias Chaira was the main news from Real Oviedo's training session at El Requexón on Friday. The winger, who injured his shoulder in a pre-season friendly against Deportivo de La Coruña and underwent surgery in August, worked with the group for the first time since. His presence with the squad marks a step towards his return, though it is not yet clear if he will be available for manager Julián Calero this weekend.
The blue and whites, sitting 9th in the Segunda División, are preparing to visit AD Ceuta FC on Sunday. Chaira's recovery is a boost during an inconsistent run of form, with three wins and two losses in their last five league games. The team has 14 points from nine matches, with a record of four wins, two draws and three losses, and trails leaders Almeria by seven points. In attack, the side has scored 11 goals and conceded nine.
Other players in recovery phase
Alongside Chaira, other players are making progress. Estanis Pedrola and Brandon Domingues also trained with the group, though they have not yet received medical clearance. Juan Cruz has been appearing at sessions, but his evolution is still pending. Meanwhile, Chris Ramos, Juan Cruz and Carlos Fernández remain sidelined with no immediate return in sight.
The coaching staff's objective is to progressively recover players to reduce absences ahead of a busy fixture list. Youness and Aisar were scheduled to test their fitness during the same session ahead of the trip to the Alfonso Murube.
Injury context and next opponent
Chaira's absence has been one of the longest this season. His return to full activity is welcome news for a squad needing depth on the flanks. Oviedo's last match was a convincing win over Eibar, featuring a brace from top scorer Carlos Domínguez, who now has three goals in seven appearances. In that 3-1 victory on Monday 12 October, Mikel Goti Lopez opened the scoring and Domínguez completed his brace in the 85th minute. However, the recent form has been volatile, with results including a 4-1 defeat to Eldense on 2 October, a 2-0 win over Sporting Gijon on 27 September, a 3-1 loss to Sabadell on 20 September, and a 0-3 victory at Valladolid on 13 September.
The next challenge is against bottom-placed Ceuta. A victory would allow Oviedo to close in on the promotion places. The squad will complete their final preparation on Saturday before travelling to the autonomous city for the fixture on Sunday 18 October against a Ceuta side sitting 21st in the table.
The original report is at elcomercio.es
