Kike Barja
OSA
Fit to face Racing Santander
Barja (muscle) is fit to play in Sunday's La Liga clash against Racing Santander, the club posted.
Analysis: Barja has recovered from the muscular issue that had disrupted his preparations for Sunday's match against Racing Santander, providing new coach Jagoba Arrasate with an additional attacking option for his first game back in charge at El Sadar. The winger initially trained individually before gradually rejoining his teammates Friday, alongside Raul Moro, and has now been cleared to feature. However, his recent lack of full training could affect his involvement, with a substitute appearance potentially more realistic than an immediate return to the starting lineup. Barja will be looking to regain his match fitness and compete for regular minutes on the flank over the coming weeks.
Resumes partial team training
Barja (muscle) began his gradual reintegration into team training Friday after previously working individually due to muscular discomfort although he remains uncertain for Sunday's La Liga clash against Racing Santander, with his availability dependent on how he responds to the increased workload, according to Carrusel Navarra.
Analysis: Barja has made encouraging progress in his recovery after spending several training sessions away from the main group due to muscular discomfort. The winger rejoined his teammates for portions of Friday's session alongside Raul Moro, providing new coach Jagoba Arrasate with a potential boost ahead of his first match back in charge at El Sadar. However, Barja has yet to resume unrestricted training, and his participation Sunday will depend on his physical response over the coming days. Even if he receives clearance to feature, his recent lack of full training could limit his involvement, potentially making a substitute appearance more realistic than a starting role.
Doesn't train with group Monday
Barja (undisclosed) trained away from the group Monday and remains uncertain for Sunday's match against Racing Santander.
Analysis: Barja was one of two players who trained away from the group Monday while nursing a muscular injury, with Aimar Oroz (undisclosed) being the other. Barja hasn't trained with the rest of the team since last week, so his involvement in the coming days will show whether he'll be available for Sunday's clash.
Ruled out with muscle discomfort
Barja trained individually Saturday as he continues to deal with muscular discomfort and has been ruled out for Sunday's La Liga clash against Betis, according to the club.
Analysis: Barja missed team training Wednesday and Thursday due to the muscle issue and remained limited to individual work Saturday, leaving him unavailable for Sunday's matchup. The winger has been part of Osasuna's rotation on the left flank this season, recording one goal, five shots and five chances created across 237 minutes, including three league starts. His absence further reduces Osasuna's options out wide, with Raul Moro also sidelined by a hamstring injury. Aimar Oroz or Moi Gomez could be called upon to fill the void against Betis, while Barja's return timeline remains uncertain.
Doubtful after missing practice
Barja didn't train with the team Wednesday and Thursday due to a muscular discomfort, Borja Bernarte of Diario de Navarra reports.
Analysis: Barja could be inactive for a short period as he's presumably dealing with a minor muscle issue, but his exclusion from regular work makes it difficult for him to see a meaningful outing in the next clash against Betis. He has been part of a rotation on the left flank, notching one goal in one of his three league starts so far, and tallying five shots and five chances created across 237 minutes on the field. If he can't go, his place could be filled by Aimar Oroz or perhaps Moi Gomez, given that a more natural winger like Raul Moro is also sidelined by a hamstring injury.
Misses early chance in draw
Barja generated two shots (zero on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano.
Analysis: Barja nearly doubled the advantage shortly after Ante Budimir's opener, but he couldn't score from the six-yard box in the 18th minute. The winger was replaced by Raul Moro in the 56th minute, shortly after Rayo had drawn level through Sergio Camello. Barja has just one goal this season, but he should remain a solid, yet unspectacular, fantasy option due to his floor and attacking contributions.
Seven crosses, earns yellow card
Barja recorded seven crosses (six accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 2-0 defeat versus Espanyol. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 30th minute.
Analysis: Barja had a solid match Saturday despite the loss and a yellow card earned in the first half, with the winger notching two chances created and seven crosses. He remains a rotational pick for the team as he has started in two of his four appearances, recording one goal in his 150 minutes of play.
Delivers in start
Kike Barja scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), four crosses (three accurate) and two chances created in Thursday's 2-1 win versus Celta Vigo.
Analysis: Barja was great in his starting role, scoring an equalizer and also creating chances. The attacker should remain in a starting role after the performance but has a tough matchup against a Getafe side which only allowed 38 goals in LaLiga a season ago.
Signs contract extension until 2028
Barja has signed a contract extension with Osasuna until June 2028, prolonging his lifelong association with the club he joined at the age of eight by at least two more seasons, the club announced.
Analysis: Barja has made 232 official appearances for Osasuna since making his debut in May 2017, becoming one of the most loyal and important figures in the club's recent history across an era that has included a promotion, seven consecutive top-flight seasons, a Copa del Rey runners-up finish, European qualification and the club's first ever appearance in the Supercopa de Espana. The season that has just concluded was the first in which Barja served as first captain, with the club praising both his on-field contribution and his leadership in the dressing room as key factors in securing an eighth consecutive La Liga campaign.
Nets late goal in defeat
Kike Barja scored one goal to go with three shots (two on goal), 10 crosses (four accurate) and one corner in Tuesday's 2-1 defeat versus Atletico Madrid. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 57th minute.
Analysis: Kike Barja tucked a shot just under the crossbar late into the second half Tuesday to score Osasuna's lone goal in their 2-1 home defeat to Atletico Madrid. The attacking-midfielder entered the match as a first half substitute due to injury and produced a team high 10 crosses (four accurate) across his 53 minute shift. Over his last 10 appearances (one start), Barja has scored twice and assisted twice.
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