Osasuna head into their rescheduled La Liga fixture against Barcelona on Thursday with uncertainty surrounding the availability of Cameroonian defender Enzo Boyomo, who only arrived in Catalonia late on Wednesday after a demanding international break.
Boyomo’s delayed return, which saw him travel through multiple cities before reaching Barcelona, has left his participation in doubt, as he has had no opportunity to train with his teammates.
The 22-year-old was in action for Cameroon on Tuesday night in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, making his journey back to Spain particularly challenging. Following the match, he traveled to Paris, then Madrid, before taking a road trip to Barcelona.
Osasuna, acknowledging the logistical difficulties, stated: “We don’t have the same resources as other clubs to arrange private flights for our international players, but we have tried to minimize Boyomo’s travel time as much as possible.”
Match Readiness in Question
Despite arriving safely in Barcelona, Boyomo’s lack of rest and training has raised concerns about his fitness for the match. Head coach Vicente Moreno, speaking in his pre-match press conference, admitted the situation was far from ideal.
“First, we need to confirm his arrival because, at this stage, it’s still uncertain,” Moreno said. “Beyond that, I won’t reveal our plans, but we have a clear idea of how we’ll approach the game.”
This cautious stance suggests that while Boyomo is available, his inclusion in the starting lineup remains uncertain. Without sufficient preparation, the defender may start on the bench, leaving Unai García or Juan Cruz as likely alternatives in Osasuna’s backline.
A Blow to Osasuna’s Defensive Plans
Boyomo’s probable absence from the starting XI presents a significant challenge for Osasuna, who face a Barcelona side pushing to stay in the La Liga title race.
With Raphinha and Ronald Araújo already ruled out for Barça, the visitors might have hoped for a more settled defensive lineup to take advantage of the Catalan side’s weakened squad.
Maintaining defensive solidity will be crucial for Osasuna to withstand Barcelona’s attacking threats, making Moreno’s final selection a key factor in the game’s outcome.
Will Boyomo be called upon despite his exhausting journey, or will Moreno opt for a fresher option in defense? The answer will be revealed just before kickoff.
