Real Oviedo head into Friday's match at Eldense with significant updates on their squad availability. Nacho Vidal and Juan Cruz are training normally and are close to a return, while goalkeeper Aarn Escandell remains a serious doubt for the fixture.
Nacho Vidal, who has missed the last four matchdays, completed the session without issue. Juan Cruz also trained with the group, though he left the session early as a precaution, indicating his comeback is near. The situation is more concerning for Escandell, whose name is not among those available for the trip.
Absentees and returns
The list of absentees remains long. Alongside Escandell, Ilyas Chaira, Estanis Pedrola, Chris Ramos, Alexandru Isfan and Carlos Fernández will also be unavailable. Brandon Domingues has not been part of a first-team squad since December. The only recent scare involved Alberto Reina, who took a knock and left training early, but he is expected to train normally on Thursday.
The team, managed by Julín Calero, will train for the final time in the Principality's capital on Thursday before travelling. On Friday morning they will take a charter flight to Alicante and then complete the journey by bus to Elda. After the match at Nuevo Pepico Amat, the return to Asturias is scheduled for the early hours.
Oviedo arrive for this fixture in good form, sitting eighth in the table with 11 points from seven games. Their run of three wins, one draw and one defeat in the last five matches leaves them eight points behind leaders Castellón. The team has been striving to maintain possession in the opposition half, averaging 61 minutes per game with the ball in the rival's territory, according to club data. The opponent, Eldense, occupies 19th place, making this a chance to continue climbing before hosting Racing de Ferrol at the Carlos Tartiere next week. Supporters can check the team's progress in the standings and the full schedule on the fixtures page. The squad will fly back to Asturias in the early hours to begin preparations for the following week.
The original report is at Yeni Şafak Sports
