Ovie Ejaria has yet to feature for Real Oviedo in 2026, with head coach Guillermo Almada citing persistent injuries and lack of consistent training as the primary reasons. The 28-year-old midfielder, who joined the La Liga side last summer following a successful trial, has made only seven league appearances this season. Since January, Ejaria has been absent from all matchday squads, missing ten consecutive league games due to a recurring muscle injury. His integration into the team has been hampered by physical setbacks that have prevented him from maintaining full training participation.
Almada acknowledged the club's initial optimism, stating, "To be honest, we also had high expectations for him when we arrived." He emphasized Ejaria's technical qualities, noting the player was expected to boost the team's creativity and overall performance level. However, the Uruguayan coach confirmed Ejaria remains far from match readiness. "Unfortunately, we haven't been able to rely on him because he's had various complications that haven't allowed him to maintain training," Almada said. Real Oviedo, fighting to secure their top-flight status, continue their campaign without the Nigerian midfielder, who once trained with the Golden Eaglets in 2013.
When Almada says Ejaria hasn't maintained training, it means the player hasn't been fit enough to earn even a place on the bench—let alone influence a relegation battle. For a midfielder once linked with Nigeria's youth setup and expected to thrive in La Liga, this level of exclusion signals a deeper crisis than just bad luck. Ejaria's absence isn't just a personal setback; it's a wasted opportunity for a club needing creative sparks. If he can't return before the season's final month, his future at Oviedo may already be decided.
