Mikel Oyarzabal Faces Extended Absence Due to Muscle Injury

Mikel Oyarzabal will not play this Sunday for Real Sociedad against Villarreal, and he is highly likely to miss the remaining three LaLiga matches of the 2025 season, along with the Copa del Rey knockout stages. The club has announced that he is suffering from a muscle injury in the hamstring of his left leg, leaving coach Sergio Francisco without his top scorer.

Oyarzabal has been the standout player for Real Sociedad in the current 2025-26 season, especially until recently, having secured both of the team’s victories in LaLiga prior to November against Mallorca (1-0) and Sevilla (2-1), scoring the decisive goals that earned six crucial points following a poor start to the league.

Fortunately for Real Sociedad, and particularly for coach Sergio Francisco, Oyarzabal recently found the goal-scoring support he needed. Players such as Brais Méndez, Gonçalo Guedes, and Ander Barrenetxea have contributed significantly, helping the team secure victories against Athletic Bilbao (3-2) and El Sadar (1-3), along with draws at Balaídos and Elche, thus pulling the team out of the relegation zone.

Medical tests conducted today by Real Sociedad’s medical team confirmed a muscle injury in Oyarzabal’s left hamstring. His recovery progress will determine his availability moving forward.

Real Sociedad Medical Services, SAD

*This medical information is published with the player’s consent.