Deportivo Alaves midfielder Mikel Rodríguez has suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. The injury occurred during a training session last Thursday and will keep the Guipuzcoan player out of action for several months, the club confirmed. kirolakeitb.eus first reported the story.
This setback hits an Alaves side sitting fourth in La Liga with seven points from three matches. The team has recorded two wins and a draw, scoring five goals and conceding just one. They face Osasuna this Sunday in the season's first derby at Mendizorroza, a match for which Mikel Rodríguez is already ruled out.
Who will replace Mikel Rodríguez in the lineup?
Head coach Quique Sánchez Flores has confirmed the first alternative for the vacant midfield spot. "El partido del domingo será para Mikel," the manager stated, referring to youth team player Izei Hernández, who will get his chance from the start. Sánchez Flores also mentioned Toni Martínez as a possible option, depending on his fitness ahead of the match.
Mikel Rodríguez had secured a place in Quique Sánchez Flores's starting eleven after a promising start to the campaign. In the first three league games, the midfielder had even scored his first top-flight goal. His absence is a blow for a team aiming to stay near the top of the table, just two points behind leaders Barcelona.
How does the injury affect sporting planning?
Sporting director Sergio Fernández addressed the injury and the transfer market in a press conference. The club can only sign players without a team whose contracts ended before September 1st, an option they are considering. Fernández also spoke about pending renewals, noting that "we are aware that Antonio Blanco attracts the attention of many clubs." Both Blanco and Ander Guevara are priorities for contract extensions.
The long-term injury comes at a time of institutional stability, with the recent contract renewal of captain Antonio Sivera until 2030. The goalkeeper is start his tenth season in Vitoria-Gasteiz with the armband and a long-term deal. Fans can check the status of all absent players on the club's injuries page.
What other results has the club achieved this week?
While the first team prepares for the derby, the women's section, Deportivo Alavés Gloriosas, began their Liga F Moeve campaign with a victory. They beat Valencia 2-0 at Mendizorroza on the opening matchday, with goals from Kumba Brima and Ainhoa Guallar. This win adds to the club's overall positive momentum.
The men's first team is coming off a 1-0 win over Villarreal thanks to a Lucas Boyé goal, a result that temporarily put them top of the table. Quique Sánchez Flores highlighted that Villarreal "has improved" under Iñigo Pérez, giving more value to the three points earned. The team's upcoming fixtures, including the derby against Osasuna, can be found on the fixtures schedule.
What other squad movements have occurred?
Aside from the injury, the club has registered a departure in goal. Owono, a goalkeeper who joined Alaves at age 16 and spent nearly a decade at the club, has been transferred to Andorra. His departure solidifies Antonio Sivera's position as the undisputed number one and captain of the project.
With seven points from three games and a +4 goal difference, Alaves approaches the match against fifth-placed Osasuna with ambition but without one of their key starters. Mikel Rodríguez's surgery is scheduled to take place soon, beginning a lengthy recovery process. The team's next match is at home on September 6, 2026.
