Deportivo Alaves face Osasuna this Sunday in the first Basque derby of the season, with both teams arriving unbeaten and with identical records of two wins and one draw. The match at Mendizorrotza, however, will be overshadowed by last-minute injury absences for both sides.
The Alaves squad heads into the clash after the severe blow of Mikel Rodríguez's cruciate ligament rupture, following a very promising debut. Also, the team's most effective forward, Toni Martínez, will be unavailable due to muscular discomfort. These absences will force manager Luismi Ramis to seek alternatives, with Mariano likely to start. The blue-and-whites currently sit fifth in La Liga, with seven points from three games, just two points behind leaders Barcelona. Their goal difference stands at five scored and only one conceded.
How do the injuries affect Osasuna?
The visitors from Pamplona also arrive in Vitoria with problems. In their win over Getafe, Osasuna lost two starters: Jorge Herrando and Aimar Oroz, both with muscular issues. Herrando will be out for approximately two months, while Oroz will miss around one month. The absence of Aimar Oroz is particularly significant, as he is one of the few players capable of providing creativity to Quique Sánchez Flores's tough tactical scheme. To cover the defense, Boyomo will step in, a player who had a poor pre-season and was close to leaving on loan.
What have the managers said about the derby?
The coaches have shown mutual respect in the build-up. Alaves boss Luismi Ramis highlighted the rival's strengths. "It's an uncomfortable team, one that presses and is well-organized." he stated. For his part, Osasuna manager Quique Sánchez Flores also praised the home side. "Physically and in duels, they are a very uncomfortable team. They handle their tools very well," said the visiting coach.
What is the context of Alaves's season?
Alaves's start to the season has been solid, placing them in the upper reaches of the table with consistent performances. Their next fixture after the derby is an away trip to face Racing Santander on September 12th. Fans can check the full schedule on the club's fixtures page. The initial good run, with a recent form of WDW (win, draw, win), has generated optimism, but the real test comes now against a direct rival with similar characteristics.
Who could be key in the match?
With the attacking absences, responsibility for Alaves will fall on other figures. The likely inclusion of Mariano from the start aims to bring experience and unpredictability. For Osasuna, the recent arrival Del Castillo could get minutes to replace the creativity lost with Oroz's injury. The battle in midfield, where both teams are strong, will be decisive for the final outcome. The status of the squad, with several key absences, can be followed in the injuries section.
The match promises to be a tactical duel between two teams that have proven to be among the most consistent in the early stages of the championship. Alaves, fifth in the standings, will defend their fortress at Mendizorrotza against an Osasuna side eager to prove their solidity goes beyond the injury list. The game takes place on Sunday, ahead of the international break.
