Real Oviedo head coach Guillermo Almada has provided clarity on the continued absence of former Golden Eaglets invitee Ovie Ejaria, who is yet to feature for the Spanish side in 2026. 

The midfielder, who joined the newly promoted club last summer after a successful trial, has endured a difficult spell marked by injuries and inconsistent form.

Despite arriving with high expectations, the former Liverpool midfielder has managed just seven league appearances this season. 

Ejaria has not featured in any match since the turn of the year, raising concerns over his role in the squad as Oviedo continue their quest to retain La Liga status. 

Speaking ahead of their clash against Sevilla, Almada admitted the club had hoped Ejaria would add quality and creativity to the team.

"To be honest, we also had high expectations for him when we arrived," he said during his press conference via Futbol Fantasy.

"He could provide solutions and raise our footballing level because of the qualities you mentioned, which we know he possesses."

However, the Uruguayan tactician revealed that persistent fitness issues have hindered Ejaria’s progress and adaptation to life in Spain. 

According to him, the 28-year-old has struggled to maintain consistent training sessions due to recurring physical setbacks, limiting his chances of selection.

"Unfortunately, we haven't been able to rely on him because he's had various complications that haven't allowed him to maintain training, and to this day, we haven't been able to count on him, and his participation is still a long way off," he added. 

Ejaria has missed up to ten consecutive league games due to a muscle injury, further compounding his struggles in what was expected to be a fresh start in La Liga. 

The midfielder, who trained with the Golden Eaglets setup in 2013, will now be hoping to regain full fitness and earn valuable minutes as the season approaches its decisive stages.

Adeyemi Adewale

Photo Credit: realoviedo.es