Real Oviedo completed their final training session at El Requexón on Friday ahead of travelling to Almería for a key eleventh matchday fixture in the Segunda División. The Blues, sitting ninth with 17 points from ten games, face the league leaders with several key absences but also welcome back two players after a month out. The team arrives on a run of three wins and two defeats from their last five matches, and trails leaders Almería by seven points.

Manager Julián Calero announced a 23-man squad for Saturday's 9pm clash at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos. The main absence is defender Carlos Domínguez, who is suspended after picking up a fifth yellow card. The team will also be without the injured Juan Cruz, Carlos Fernández, Chris Ramos and Ilyas Chaira.

Absences and returns

The absence of Domínguez, the team's top scorer this season with four goals, leaves a significant gap in defence. However, Calero welcomes back Alexandru Isfan and Estanis Pedrola into the squad, both having overcome physical issues and declared fit. Brandon Domingues is also available after missing training all week.

The Blues approach this match in high spirits after securing back-to-back wins against SD Eibar and AD Ceuta FC, keeping them within seven points of the promotion playoff places. Their form over the last five games reads three wins and two defeats. In those matches, Oviedo beat Eibar 3-1 with a Carlos Domínguez double and a Mikel Goti goal, and then defeated Ceuta 1-2 with goals from Samuel Rodríguez and Domínguez. According to club data, the team has accumulated 495 minutes of play with a lead on the scoreboard, a detail that underlines their ability to manage advantages. The squad will fly to Almería on Saturday morning, stay overnight, and return to Asturias on Sunday. Oviedo's last victory at this ground came on 7 June 2025, a 1-2 win secured by a Nacho Vidal brace.

The challenge is formidable, as Xavi García Pimienta's UD Almería are the only leaders with a perfect home record this season, winning all five games and amassing 24 points. The Blues will aim to break that streak and continue their climb up the standings. Following this match, the schedule shows Real Oviedo's next opponent will be Racing de Ferrol at El Requexón. The expected starting lineup includes Aarón Escandell, Nacho Vidal, David Costas, Dani Calvo, Samu Rodríguez, Aritz Aldasoro, Youness Lachhab, Mikel Goti, Alberto Reina, Víctor Mingo and Enzo Pérez.

The original report is at Real Oviedo.es