Real Oviedo is bracing itself for the looming Asturian Derby against Sporting de Gijón on January 11, 2025, but the team's momentum has been seriously undermined by injuries to key players. Álvaro Lemos, the right-back who has struggled to find his footing since joining the team, now faces months on the sidelines following a serious injury sustained during training.
Lemos suffered a fracture to his right clavicle after colliding with teammate Rahim, with the club confirming this unfortunate news on their official website. The injury occurred during one of the first training sessions after the holiday break, and it is severe enough to require surgery. Initially, the 31-year-old defender had only managed to play sporadically, featuring in just 9 of the 21 league matches this season, with 6 of those as a starter.
This injury compounds the challenges faced by Real Oviedo, as they also have to cope with the absence of veteran midfielder Santi Cazorla. Cazorla, who had participated normally during the initial training of the year, suffered calf issues after just one day of practice, leaving him unfit for the derby and other upcoming fixtures. His experience and leadership are invaluable to the squad, making his absence particularly felt among fans and players alike.
The injury woes do not stop there; they also join fellow players Jaime Seoane and Fede Viñas, who are still recovering from their respective injuries. Seoane is dealing with a bone contusion in his knee sustained weeks earlier, and Viñas is sidelined due to muscular issues affecting his calf. Consequently, this leaves head coach Javi Calleja with limited options as he prepares his team for such a high-stakes match.
Given the current injury list, Calleja may have to rely on players who have seen less action this season or even call up younger talents from the reserve squad to fill the gaps left by the injured stars. Oier Luengo, who has been utilized as makeshift cover on the right side, might be called upon to take Lemos' place, leaving the center of defense to be cemented by David Costas and Dani Calvo.
The team has responded to these injuries with resilience, continuing to train hard with no interruptions due to their exit from the Copa del Rey, allowing them to focus solely on the league. A week's worth of training sessions has seen the squad tighten their tactical approaches, as Javi Calleja emphasizes the importance of adaptability amid their setbacks. The coaching staff is determined to instill confidence and cohesion, reinforcing teamwork as largely virtuous now more than ever.
This mental fortitude will be tested as Real Oviedo heads toward the derby, traditionally one of the most intense encounters on the calendar. With the fans expecting nothing less than aggression and determination, the absence of established players should not diminish their fighting spirit.
On the other hand, Sporting de Gijón will undoubtedly look to capitalize on these setbacks, seeking to secure victory and claim bragging rights within the region. Given the melancholic memories from their previous 3-1 defeat to Sporting earlier this season, the stakes are significantly raised for this rematch.
Despite these trials, the upcoming derby presents Real Oviedo with the opportunity for redemption. They must rally to not only contend with their competitors but also with the internal struggle imposed by the medical list. This combination of ambition to triumph—combined with the drive to showcase their growth—could provide the energy needed to face down the challenges posed by missing key players.
With the clock ticking down to kick-off, the fans will cling to hope. Can Real Oviedo rise above injury adversity to escape the grips of misfortune? Only time will tell as the final whistle approaches and with it, the question of whether fortitude prevails over frailty.