One Step Forward, Two Steps Back: Real Sociedad's Injury Merry-Go-Round Continues
Oyarzabal and Óskarsson set to return to training, but fresh injury setbacks for Barrenetxea and Yangel Herrera compound La Real's fitness woes.
Mixed News from Zubieta Training Ground
Talk about swings and roundabouts at Real Sociedad. Just as the Basque outfit welcomes back two key attackers, they’ve lost another pair to the treatment room in what’s becoming a proper injury nightmare for the San Sebastian club.
Mikel Oyarzabal and Orri Óskarsson are set to rejoin training with their teammates on Thursday, bringing some much-needed Christmas cheer to La Real supporters. Captain Oyarzabal returns after three weeks on the sidelines, while Icelandic forward Óskarsson has been out of action for over three months.
However, just as the gaffer thought he’d be getting some bodies back, Ander Barrenetxea and Yangel Herrera have picked up fresh muscle problems, leaving the squad still stretched thin as we approach the festive fixture list.
The Good News
- Oyarzabal’s return was actually tipped yesterday by Ansotegi, with the skipper potentially in line for minutes against Girona this Saturday
- Óskarsson’s recovery has progressed faster than expected, with the club originally targeting a Christmas comeback for the Icelandic talent
The Bad News
- Barrenetxea has developed new muscular discomfort, this time in his right soleus muscle
- Yangel Herrera has suffered a similar fate with an issue in his left soleus
- The Venezuelan midfielder’s setback is particularly frustrating as it occurred while rehabilitating from the injury that’s kept him out for nearly two months
According to Radio MARCA Donostia, Herrera could now be sidelined for several more weeks, which is a proper kick in the teeth for both player and club.
The injury situation has been an absolute ‘mare for La Real this season, with their squad depth tested to the limit. Just when they thought they were getting players back, they’re down to the bare bones again. Talk about having a butcher’s hook at your physio room and finding it still packed!
Immanuel Kant once said that “health is not everything, but without health, everything is nothing” - a sentiment that Real Sociedad’s medical staff are probably having tattooed on their foreheads right about now.