Barrenetxea set to miss Atlético clash as Matarazzo faces debut headache
Real Sociedad's attacking star continues recovery from muscle injury, leaving new coach with selection problems for his La Liga bow against Atlético Madrid.
Real Sociedad’s new manager Pellegrino Matarazzo is facing a proper baptism of fire for his La Liga debut, with star man Ander Barrenetxea looking increasingly unlikely to be available for Sunday’s clash with Atlético Madrid.
Injury woes continue
Barrenetxea missed the first training session of 2026 on New Year’s Day as he continues his recovery from the muscle problem that’s already kept him sidelined for the final two matches of 2025 against Eldense and Levante. The talented winger has been one of La Real’s standout performers this season - some might say one of the best in the entire Spanish top flight.
The 7’s absence couldn’t come at a worse time for Matarazzo, who’s already got his work cut out trying to make an impression in his first league match in charge of the Txuri-urdin. Talk about being thrown in at the deep end!
More selection headaches
As if missing Barrenetxea wasn’t enough to give the new gaffer the right hump, Matarazzo will also be without:
- Igor Zubeldia (suspended)
- Jon Gorrotxategi (suspended)
Gorrotxategi’s absence is particularly problematic as there’s no obvious replacement in the squad for his role.
Early return not enough
Despite being one of the first players to report back to Zubieta after the Christmas break on December 26th - alongside teammates Orri Óskarsson and Yangel Herrera - Barrenetxea’s recovery hasn’t progressed as quickly as hoped.
The injury issues date back to the derby against Athletic Club on November 1st, when he took a proper knock that forced him off. While he managed to make substitute appearances against both Osasuna and Villarreal afterwards - scoring absolute worldies in both games - the underlying muscular problem has finally caught up with him.
The only glimmer of hope for Matarazzo is if Barrenetxea makes a surprise appearance in Friday’s training session, but at this point that seems about as likely as me winning the lottery this weekend.