Ander Barrenetxea’s Continued Absence Poses Challenges for Real Sociedad’s Coach

Ander Barrenetxea did not participate in the training session held by Real Sociedad on New Year’s Day at Zubieta, as he continues to recover from a muscle injury. This injury has already caused him to miss the last two matches of 2025 against Eldense and Levante, and it appears likely that he will also be unavailable for Sunday’s game against Atlético Madrid. His absence, coupled with the suspensions of Igor Zubeldia and Jon Gorrotxategi, places new head coach Pellegrino Matarazzo in a challenging position ahead of his LaLiga debut.

Barrenetxea had been one of the standout players for Real Sociedad and in LaLiga, showcasing his talent with impressive goals against Osasuna and Villarreal. He participated in those matches coming off the bench, as a precautionary measure due to the muscular issue he has been dealing with since the derby against Athletic on November 1. On that occasion, he suffered a significant blow that led to his substitution and ultimately forced him to miss the last two games of the previous year.

The number 7 was among the first players to return to Zubieta following the Christmas break, resuming training on December 26 alongside Orri Óskarsson and Yangel Herrera. However, it seems increasingly probable that he will miss Matarazzo’s debut on the bench, unless he surprises everyone by joining his teammates on the pitch tomorrow.

His absence would be a significant setback for the Italian-American coach, who is already aware that he will also be without Zubeldia and Gorrotxategi due to suspensions. Both players are crucial to the txuriurdin squad, with Gorrotxategi notably lacking a clear substitute.