Real Sociedad manager Gonzalo de Matarazzo faces a significant challenge ahead of the LaLiga fixture against Real Betis at the Reale Arena. The team will be without several key players, forcing the coach to look to the club's academy, Sanse, to fill out his matchday squad.
The most notable absence is that of Portuguese forward Gonçalo Guedes. There had been hope within the club that he would be fit to return for this crucial home match. However, the player has not been able to participate in a single training session this week, making his inclusion impossible. His recovery has not progressed as quickly as hoped.
Defender Zubeldia presented a more complex situation. He did manage to return to training with the main group on Friday, the final session before the match. Despite this positive step, the coaching and medical staff did not deem him sufficiently prepared for competitive action. He will therefore not be part of the squad that faces the Andalusian side.
The situation is similar for two other players who have been working their way back to fitness. Both Rupérez and Karrikaburu have been training with the team throughout the entire week. Nevertheless, neither has convinced the manager that they are ready for matchday. Their continued absence is a blow to the squad's depth.
Adding to the defensive concerns, Aramburu, who did train this week, will be unavailable due to a suspension. This is a separate issue from fitness, but it further limits Matarazzo's options at the back. The known long-term absence of Odriozola also remains a factor in the team's defensive planning.
With these six players all ruled out, Matarazzo has been compelled to complete his squad list by promoting three players from the club's reserve team, Sanse. This move underscores the depth of the injury and suspension crisis facing the first team. The young trio will now be in contention for a place on the bench, offering a glimpse into the future of the Txuri-Urdin.
The match against Betis is a critical one for Real Sociedad's season objectives. Playing at home, they will be expected to secure a positive result, but doing so without a significant portion of their senior squad will test the manager's tactical acumen and the resilience of his available players. The reliance on youth adds an extra layer of intrigue to the encounter.
Based on reporting from Fútbol.
