Real Sporting de Gijón faces a significant selection headache ahead of their Segunda División fixture against Córdoba CF this weekend, with two key players ruled as serious doubts due to physical issues. According to the latest team news, academy product Diego Matabuena and left-back Brian Oliván are both struggling with injuries that could sideline them for the Sunday match at El Arcángel stadium.
The situation was confirmed in reports emerging from Mareo, Sporting’s training ground, where both players underwent evaluation ahead of the trip to Andalusia. Matabuena, the 18-year-old midfielder who recently signed a contract extension through 2029, suffered an ankle twist during Friday’s training session. This latest setback adds to a season already marked by limited first-team opportunities for the Oviedo-born talent, who has yet to build a senior appearance despite featuring regularly for Sporting Atlético and Sporting C.
Meanwhile, Brian Oliván, the 32-year-old left-back who joined the club in recent seasons, continues to manage ongoing physical discomfort that has affected his availability in recent weeks. The veteran defender, who has made 36 appearances in all competitions this season according to squad data, is experiencing issues that have prevented full participation in training.
The Sporting medical team will conduct final assessments during Saturday morning’s training session at Mareo – the last opportunity to evaluate the players before Sunday’s departure. However, indications suggest that even if both players travel with the squad to Córdoba, they are unlikely to feature prominently, if at all, as the coaching staff prioritizes player safety over rushing recoveries.
“The idea is not to grab risks,” stated sources close to the team, reflecting a cautious approach given the long nature of the Segunda División campaign. With Sporting currently positioned in 10th place in the league table with 52 points from 36 matches, the club appears to be balancing immediate competitive needs with long-term player welfare.
For Matabuena specifically, this injury represents another obstacle in his path to breaking into the first team. The highly-rated youth product, who captained Sporting’s División de Honor juvenile side this season, had previously seen his progress hampered by a suspension accumulated while playing for Sporting Atlético that initially delayed his senior team integration.
Should neither player be available, Sporting manager Isma Piñera would likely turn to established alternatives. Diego Sánchez, who has featured at left-back this season despite being primarily a center-back, would be the natural replacement for Oliván on the flanks. In midfield, the absence of Matabuena would create opportunities for other squad members to step up, though the young Asturian has not yet been involved in first-team matchday squads this season.
The match against Córdoba CF kicks off at 14:00 local time (12:00 UTC) on Sunday, April 27, 2026, at the Estadio Nuevo Arcángel. Córdoba currently sits 11th in the Segunda División standings with 51 points, making this a mid-table clash with both teams safely clear of relegation concerns but still fighting for better positioning.
Sporting’s next training update will come following Saturday’s session at Mareo, where the medical staff will provide clarity on Matabuena and Oliván’s availability. Fans seeking the latest information should monitor the club’s official channels for the final squad announcement expected later on Saturday.
The situation underscores the challenges faced by Sporting de Gijón this season as they navigate the competitive Segunda División while managing a squad blending experienced professionals with promising academy graduates. How the club handles these injury concerns could influence both immediate results and longer-term player development strategies.
Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of Real Sporting de Gijón throughout the 2025-2026 Segunda División season.
