Ilyas Chaira returns to group training with Real Oviedo

Ilyas Chaira has returned to group training with Real Oviedo, taking a significant step toward his competitive return after two months on the sidelines following right-shoulder surgery.

Chaira and Pedrola rejoin group sessions at El Requexón

The Moroccan winger stepped back onto the training pitch alongside his teammates at the El Requexón sports city, lne.es reported. Chaira had previously shown signs of progress last week by completing running drills. Teammates welcomed both returning players with the traditional “pasillo de collejas”—a lighthearted gauntlet of playful slaps—during the morning session. The 24-year-old winger fell injured on July 25 during a pre-season friendly against Deportivo, where a bad fall forced him to leave the Carlos Tartiere stadium in an ambulance. Following that incident, the club confirmed he underwent surgery on August 7.

Joining Chaira in returning to the group is Estanis Pedrola. lne.es reported that Pedrola stepped out with the squad on the previous day and trained fully as an equal alongside the rest of the roster during the morning workout. Head coach Julián Calero oversaw the session as the team prepared for their upcoming fixtures, though several other members of the squad remained under medical supervision or worked away from the main group.

Recovery timelines and upcoming squad availability

Club officials confirmed that Chaira is meeting his recovery milestones following his right-shoulder operation, lavozdeasturias.es reported. While the winger has returned to partial group drills, full-contact training remains the final hurdle before he receives formal competitive clearance. His reintegration into the squad offers a timely boost for Calero’s attacking options.

The situation differs for goalkeeper Aarón Escandell, who continued to train in isolation under the direction of coach Jesús Unanua on pitch number four at El Requexón, lavozdeasturias.es reported. Despite working away from the main group, the club has not ruled the goalkeeper out for upcoming matches, noting that the physical risks are currently minimal. Meanwhile, French winger Brandon Domingues continued training normally, though coaching staff indicated it may still be too early for him to feature in the immediate matchday squad.

Contract status and permanent transfer to the capital of the Principado

Chaira’s return coincides with his established long-term future at the club. Real Oviedo and Girona FC reached an agreement for the permanent transfer of the winger, who is committed to the capital of the Principado entity through June 30, 2028, realoviedo.es reported. The agreement secures the player’s continuity for three seasons following a successful loan spell during the 2024–25 campaign, where he helped secure the club’s promotion.

During that 2024–25 campaign, Chaira featured in 35 official matches, scoring eight goals and providing three assists under the direction of then-coach Veljko Paunović, realoviedo.es reported. His performances included a decisive goal in the promotion playoffs that forced extra time against CD Mirandés in the opening knockout round, cementing his role on the left flank before his permanent acquisition.

Real Oviedo continues preparations at El Requexón ahead of their upcoming league fixture at the Carlos Tartiere against Eibar.