Sucic setback leaves Real Sociedad sweating ahead of Elche clash
Croatian midfielder misses training after muscular injury, while Aritz and Soler sidelined with stomach bugs. Zakharyan nears return after month-long absence.
Real Sociedad face selection headaches as Luka Sucic’s return is delayed, though Zakharyan edges closer to first-team action after lengthy absence.
Injury Woes Continue
The Txuri-Urdin squad returned to Zubieta training ground after a well-earned two-and-a-half day break following their Santiago Bernabéu visit, but it wasn’t all sunshine and roses for gaffer Pellegrino Matarazzo.
Croatian midfielder Luka Sucic was notably absent from Tuesday’s group session, making his availability for Saturday’s home fixture against Elche look about as likely as finding a decent pint for under a fiver in Central London. The 21-year-old has been sidelined since picking up a muscle injury just ten days ago during - ironically enough - the previous encounter with Elche.
Matarazzo had expressed hope last week about having Sucic back in the fold during the current training week, but it seems the boss might need to rethink his plans. The medical team will be monitoring his progress day by day.
Sick Notes and Returns
Compounding the selection headaches:
- Captain Aritz Elustondo missed training
- Carlos Soler was also absent
Both players are suffering from gastroenteritis, though club sources expect them to return to normal training as soon as Wednesday. Nothing serious, just a case of the old ‘Barnet Fair’ by the sounds of it.
Positive News
On a brighter note, Russian talent Arsen Zakharyan continued his reintegration with the first team, completing another full session under Matarazzo’s watchful eye. The creative midfielder hasn’t featured for over a month but appears to be edging closer to making a matchday squad again.
Meanwhile, Brais Méndez will definitely be available for selection against Elche after serving his two-match suspension. The Spanish midfielder was controversially sent off during the San Mamés derby against Athletic Club, but has now completed his ban and will provide a welcome boost to La Real’s attacking options.
Matarazzo will be hoping for positive developments in the coming days as his squad prepares for what could be a crucial fixture in their push for European qualification.