Marrero sidelined with facial fracture, set to miss Basque derby

Real Sociedad’s backup goalkeeper faces extended spell on the sidelines following facial injury sustained in Thursday’s training session.

Cup Hero Crocked

Unai Marrero, who was riding the crest of a wave after his penalty-saving heroics against Osasuna in the Copa del Rey, has been dealt a proper blow to his season. The La Real shot-stopper suffered a facial injury during Thursday morning’s training session that’s turned out to be a fracture of his left cheekbone (malar bone).

The timing couldn’t be worse for the keeper, who’ll now miss Sunday’s Basque derby and next week’s Copa del Rey quarter-final against Deportivo Alavés - a competition where he’d been getting his chance to shine between the sticks.

Surgery Required

Real Sociedad confirmed the injury in a statement released Thursday evening, revealing Marrero will undergo surgery Friday morning to reduce and stabilize the fracture. The club noted he was “in great form” before this setback, which is a bit of an understatement considering his recent cup performances.

While the club hasn’t provided a specific timeline for his return, these types of facial fractures typically mean several weeks on the treatment table. Bit of a mare for the lad, that.

Goalkeeping Reshuffle

First-choice goalkeeper Álex Remiro will continue as expected, but the injury creates a ripple effect in the squad:

• Aitor Fraga from the B team (Sanse) is expected to step up as backup keeper
• Marrero’s recovery could potentially stretch for “many weeks” according to reports
• The timing is particularly unfortunate with crucial fixtures in both league and cup on the horizon

The injury comes at a particularly challenging time for La Real, who are fighting on multiple fronts and would have likely given Marrero more opportunities in the Copa del Rey where he’d already established himself as something of a penalty specialist.