Real Sociedad midfield boost: Brais Méndez returns as Zakharyan and Sucic near fitness
La Real set to welcome back key playmakers ahead of Real Oviedo clash, though Kubo and Barrenetxea remain sidelined for Matarazzo's side.
Txuri-urdin fans can breathe a sigh of relief as reinforcements arrive in the creative department just when they’re needed most.
Méndez back, Croatian duo on the mend
Real Sociedad will return to training at Zubieta this Tuesday afternoon as they begin preparations for Saturday’s clash with Real Oviedo at Anoeta. The good news for manager Pellegrino Matarazzo is that he’ll have Brais Méndez available again after the Galician completed his two-match suspension.
Even better, there’s a strong possibility that both Arsen Zakharyan and Luka Sucic could return to the fold if they’ve shaken off their recent muscle problems. This triple creative boost couldn’t come at a better time for La Real, who’ve been struggling for consistency in recent weeks.
Selection headache brewing
Méndez’s return creates an interesting dilemma for Matarazzo. Prior to his suspension, the Spanish midfielder was facing competition from Sucic, who had been impressing in the number 10 role. In their absence, Carlos Soler was pushed forward from his deeper position to fill the creative void.
Now Matarazzo must decide whether to:
- Restore Méndez to his familiar role
- Continue with Soler who’s been finding form
- Reintroduce Sucic if the Croatian is fully fit
As for Zakharyan, the Russian playmaker’s limited training time with the squad suggests he’s more likely to be eased back as an impact substitute rather than thrown straight into the starting XI.
Wing worries continue
While the midfield situation improves, La Real’s wing options remain depleted. Neither Take Kubo nor Ander Barrenetxea will be available for the Oviedo fixture, with their returns still uncertain.
The medical staff are being tight-lipped, but there’s growing concern about whether either will be back in training by late February or early March. Their availability for the crucial Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Athletic Club is increasingly doubtful - a proper blow to the boat race for Matarazzo’s men.