Real Oviedo Head Coach Cuco Ziganda this morning analysed the state of his team ahead of the trip to La Romareda.

The Gaffer was asked first about the condition of players like Luismi and Sangalli. He said that he hoped that the latter will be back soon because "he's doing well." Meanwhile, in the case of Luismi, the team will have to wait, with the Coach saying "it's a muscle issue. With players who've had Covid, there have been a lot of muscle setbacks, and this was one of those cases. It's a small problem, but we have to adapt to it. Asked about whether Luismi should have featured in Sunday's game, Ziganda was clear that "he was ready to play. If he hadn't been we wouldn't have put him on."

With respect to Obeng's suspension and the impact his absence might have in Zaragoza, Ziganda said that "another player will come in who doesn't have the same characteristics. We could line up with an out-and-out midfielder, or with a different type of player. We are trying to get the best out of everybody, but always with the intention of going for the win, with that mentality. I've not decided yet." Regarding the possibility of Matheus coming in, the Coach described him as "different to all the other forwards. He's a box player, who is good at playing with his back to goal. He's another option and of course he could play. He has as much of a chance as the rest of his teammates."

Asked about the possibility of Pombo joining Bastón in attack, the Gaffer stated that "he might play, but we will see. He's one of the options. He could start, even if he's not ready for ninety minutes yet, or he could come on like he did the other day. He's got that hunger to prove himself, to feel like a footballer again, and to be important to the team. It would be a great opportunity for him."

Following Luismi's injury, Ziganda was asked whether he thinks it necessary to bring in another player in the centre of midfield. "We are a bit lighter in that area, so if we brought someone else in then there wouldn't be an overload. However, if nobody comes in then we will adapt and give people an opportunity."

Regarding the next opponent, Real Zaragoza, the Coach said that "it's the team which has had the most shots on target in the division, or at least one of them. They have very direct, quality players. They have been lacking the finishing touch, and that's what's making it hard for them to get points, but they have quality and get a lot of players forward."

Ziganda declared his happiness at stadium capacities now being back up to 100%. "It's fantastic news. It feels like we are getting towards that new normality, and like little by little people are getting back to living their lives without the hand brake on." Finally, asked whether he now has one eye on next week's derby, the Gaffer was clear that "I am not thinking about anything except Zaragoza."