Masoud Shojaei returns to action

PFDC – PAMPLONA, Long time injury absentee Masoud Shojaei played his first games for Osasuna this week after being sidelined for more than 15 months due to inury.

Shojaei came on as 71st minute substitute in the 2-1 test match win over SD Huesca on Wednesday before playing 30 minutes in the 3-2 friendly win over SD Logrones on Friday.

The offensive allrounder had suffered a foot injury late in the 2010/11 La Liga season and due to complications had to undergo four surgeries, thus missing the entire 2011/12 season.

Meanwhile the future of Shojaei’s clubmate Javad Nekounam remains uncertain. Reportedly Nekounam’s preferred club Esteghlal is unable to pay any transfer fee and to fulfill the midfielder’s salary demands.

The Iran captain is in negotiations with some unnamed clubs, but also could remain in Pamplona, where he still has a contract until summer 2013.