FC Barcelona face another crucial test as they take on Real Sociedad in La Liga. While facing La Real is always a challenging fixture for the Blaugrana, the stakes are even higher this time. A victory would see Barcelona move two points clear at the top of the table after Real Madrid’s defeat to Real Betis last night.
Despite the challenge, this might be the ideal time for Hansi Flick’s side to face La Real, as the Basque outfit is dealing with several key absences. Adding to their concerns, Real Sociedad have a crucial Europa League fixture against Manchester United looming.
Suspensions have ruled out Takefusa Kubo, Nayef Aguerd, and Sheraldo Becker, while injuries have sidelined Arsen Zakharyan, Jon Pacheco, Álvaro Odriozola, and Luka Sučić.
To make matters worse for La Real, Mikel Oyarzabal has also emerged as a doubt for tonight’s fixture. Although he traveled with the squad to Barcelona, the Spanish forward is not fully fit. According to SPORT, his participation remains uncertain, and it would not be surprising if he does not feature in the match.
Ahead of the game, Imanol Alguacil addressed the squad’s fitness concerns in his pre-match press conference, stating:
“Luka Sučić was still struggling with discomfort and is almost certainly ruled out of training, so he is practically unavailable. As for Mikel Oyarzabal, we will wait until the last moment, as he finished the last match with hamstring discomfort. But based on how he was feeling yesterday, I fear he won’t be available either. I’ll try to put together a competitive squad and starting eleven to face Barcelona.”
A few hours later, Alguacil’s concerns were confirmed with the release of his squad list for the match:
Real Sociedad Squad for Barcelona Clash:
- Goalkeepers: Remiro, Marrero, Arana.
- Defenders: Aihen, Zubeldia, Aritz, Javi López, H. Traoré, Aramburu, Martín, Beitia.
- Midfielders: Zubimendi, Olasagasti, Turrientes, Brais Méndez, Marín.
- Forwards: Barrene, Óskarsson, Oyarzabal, Sergio Gómez, Mariezkurrena, Marchal.
Due to the numerous absences, Alguacil has had to call up young players such as Marchal, Beitia, and Mariezkurrena to complete his squad.
Meanwhile, Barcelona will only be missing the long-term absentees, Marc Andre Ter Stegen, Marc Bernal, and Andreas Christensen, as the latter suffered another relapse yesterday.
Ansu Fati is also expected to miss this game due to fever, but other than that, Hansi Flick will have all of his important players available for this game, even though he can opt for some rotations keeping in view the upcoming UCL tie against Benfica.
