CA Osasuna has named a 24-man squad for this afternoon's La Liga match against Deportivo Alavés at Mendizorrotza. The list features the first call-up for new signing Romain Del Castillo and includes two youth team players, Unai Santos and Mikel Bermejo, as fresh faces.
The Pamplona-based side enters the fixture in a strong league position, sitting sixth with 7 points from three games. Their record shows two wins and a draw, having scored three goals and conceded just one. This places them only two points behind leaders Barcelona. However, they face the match without several key players due to injury.
Who is missing for Osasuna through injury?
The manager is without three important pieces because of muscular issues. French full-back Valentin Rosier, centre-back Jorge Herrando, and creative midfielder Aimar Oroz are all absent from the squad. These forced changes will require adjustments to the starting eleven and provide opportunities for other squad members. The full squad status can be checked on our injuries page.
Oroz's absence is particularly significant as the midfielder is a key reference point for the team. His creativity and vision will need to be compensated for by other midfielders like Moncayola or Iker Muñoz. The defence, meanwhile, loses two regulars, likely handing starts to Catena and Boyomo.
What are the new faces in the Osasuna squad?
The main novelty is the inclusion of Romain Del Castillo, the French winger who joined the club earlier this week. His presence on the list suggests the coaching staff believes he can contribute immediately, though he will likely start from the bench. Also, the manager has decided to give a chance to two academy talents.
Unai Santos and Mikel Bermejo, both from Osasuna Promesas, have been called up to the first team. Their inclusion reflects the club's commitment to homegrown players and provides cover in several areas. The rest of the squad is made up of goalkeepers Sergio Herrera and Aitor Fernández, along with Dubasin and Asier Bonel. The defence includes Rico, Boyomo, Abel Bretones, Catena, Arguibide, and Unai Santos. The midfield features Rockson, Torró, Moncayola, Iker Muñoz, Rubén García, Moi Gómez, and Del Castillo. The forward line consists of Mauro, Antonio Osambela, Raúl, Kike Barja, Budimir, Moro, and Bermejo.
What is Osasuna's form heading into this match?
Osasuna approaches the game with confidence after a solid start to the season. Their recent form reads win, win, draw. The team has proven hard to beat, with a defence that has barely conceded. However, the challenge at Mendizorrotza is always a difficult one. The need to add points is clear to stay near the top of the standings, close to the European places.
The match strategy will likely be based on the defensive solidity shown so far, trying to exploit counter-attacks with the speed of players like Kike Barja or the newly acquired quality of Del Castillo. Possession in midfield will be a key factor, especially without the direction of Aimar Oroz. The team's next fixture is at home against Espanyol on September 12th, an opponent currently in 14th place.
What is expected from Del Castillo's debut?
The arrival of Romain Del Castillo has created excitement among the fans. His signing this week aims to add more unpredictability and goals from the wings. Although it is early to expect him to start, his presence on the bench provides a new weapon for the manager in the second half. His adaptation to the system and new teammates will be gradual, but his individual talent could be decisive in specific moments.
The coaching staff will assess his physical condition after only a few days of training with the group. He will most likely get some minutes in the second half to get a feel for the competition. His signing strengthens an attack that, with Budimir as the reference point, aims to be more lethal. The team has an important week ahead with a match at El Sadar, as seen on the fixtures schedule. The clash against Espanyol will be the next test for an Osasuna side looking to confirm its good form.
