Osasuna vs Getafe preview - Nino keen to aid Osasuna cause

Posted Saturday, February 08, 2014 by PA

Striker Nino is desperate to get back in to the action and help Osasuna find success on the field after recovering from an injury which almost spelled an end to his time at the club.

The 33-year-old is back in training after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury to his right knee and is hoping to get some game time at home to Getafe on Sunday.

Nino was almost released by the Primera Division club last month as a result of his injury and Osasuna also weighed up the option of not registering him in the squad for the rest of the season.

However, that did not happen and the former Tenerife forward is now ready to fire again.

"I never wanted to be a burden to Osasuna. I told the club that I would look for another club, but that it would be difficult after having been out injured for five months," Nino told the club's official website.

"I had the final say, because I have a contract and what's more, I also saw that there was an opportunity for me to help the team.

"I agreed to stay here because it was the best choice, nothing else mattered.

"I feel strengthened by all that's happened, because I've had the support of everyone.

"Now I want to look forward to Sunday and what happens on the pitch. I really want to compete over these next three months.

"I'm already back into the swing of things in training sessions, so now all I'm lacking is minutes in games, which I hope will come soon."

Osasuna are currently two points clear of the bottom three in 16th place, while Getafe are three points better off in 12th.

New Getafe signing Sammir, who joined the club from Dinamo Zagreb last month, could make an appearance on the bench but believes this weekend's game will come to soon for him to feature.

"I just arrived and I would play as soon as possible," Sammir said, "But we will see in two or three weeks and the final decision will be by the coach and the club. I will work to start playing as soon as possible."