Igor Zubeldia
RSO
Available following hamstring recovery
Zubeldia has recovered from his hamstring injury and is available for Sunday's La Liga clash against Deportivo after resuming team training, according to the club.
Analysis: Zubeldia has made sufficient progress in his recovery to return to contention after spending time on the sidelines with a hamstring injury. The center-back recently rejoined group training and has now been cleared for selection, providing Real Sociedad with additional defensive depth ahead of Sunday's matchup. However, his lack of match fitness could limit him to a substitute role initially, with Mamadou Sarr expected to retain his place in the starting XI. Zubeldia should gradually work his way back into the defensive rotation as he rebuilds his fitness.
Back in team training
Zubeldia (hamstring) is back in team training and could be an option for Sunday's match against Deportivo, according to El Diario Vasco.
Analysis: Zubeldia has finally returned to group training, and now the center-back needs to get as much fitness as possible to be an option for the upcoming matches. The veteran center-back will be a rotational piece at center-back once he's ready to play, but since he's back in training, he could be a bench option for the match against Deportivo on Sunday. Mamadou Sarr is expected to remain in the XI while Zubeldia is recovering his match fitness.
Yet to resume training
Zubeldia (hamstring) didn't participate in Tuesday's training session and remains uncertain to be available for the Oct. 11 match against Deportivo, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Analysis: All 14 senior players who were healthy and not called up to their national teams underwent physical tests at Zubieta on Tuesday, but Zubeldia wasn't in the group. The center-back continues to work away from the group, and the next few days will be key to determining whether he could be an option for the return of the Liga schedule against Deportivo. Zubeldia has missed Sociedad's last three competitive matches, but when healthy, he started in four of Sociedad's first five games.
Ruled out against Valencia
Zubeldia (undisclosed) remains out for Sunday's clash against Valencia, according to coach Pellegrino Matarazzo. "Yes, Igor trained even before the last match. He was actually feeling quite good, but during his final sprint, he still felt something in his hamstring. So, we decided to follow the standard process, the usual procedure, for recovering from a minor injury. That is why he wasn't in the squad for the last match and won't be playing tomorrow, either. After that, we'll have a couple of weeks to get Igor ready for the match against Deportivo."
Analysis: Zubeldia had already been left out of the squad for the recent Europa League match against Bournemouth despite recently returning to team training, an absence tied to the discomfort that also kept him out against Atletico Madrid. His continued individual work now casts some doubt on his potential return in the short term, and his status will continue to be assessed during the international break.
Remains out against Bournemouth
Zubeldia (undisclosed) has been left out of the squad for Thursday's Europa League clash against Bournemouth despite recently returning to team training.
Analysis: Zubeldia has resumed training with the group but isn't yet ready to return to competitive action after missing the recent match against Atletico Madrid with discomfort. The center-back has started four of the five matches for which he's been available this season, so his absence remains significant for Real Sociedad's defense. Zubeldia could make his return in Sunday's La Liga clash against Valencia if he continues to progress in training.
Trains with group, set to return
Zubeldia (undisclosed) trained with the rest of the group Tuesday and could be an option for Thursday's UEFA Europa League tie against Bournemouth, according to Angel Lopez of El Diario Vasco.
Analysis: Zubeldia will add much-needed depth and experience at center-back for Real Sociedad, and the defender looks set to return to the squad after missing last Sunday's match against Atletico Madrid with discomfort. Having started in four of the five matches he's been available for this season, Zubeldia could return to the XI right away in a tough league-phase opener against the Cherries in Anoeta.
Ruled out with discomfort
Zubeldia (undisclosed) is ruled out for Sunday's clash against Atletico Madrid due to discomfort, the club posted.
Analysis: Zubeldia remained a defensive anchor for Real Sociedad last season, starting 23 of his 25 LaLiga appearances at center back and racking up 149 clearances to go with 38 tackles, 22 interceptions and 13 blocks. This season, he started four of the five La Liga games and contributed 14 tackles, seven interceptions and 16 clearances, making his absence a real blow for the Basques. Luken Beitia should be the one playing in his spot against the Colchoneros, and Zubeldia's recovery timeline will continue to be monitored as the club's season progresses.
Bench option
Zubeldia (thigh) is on the bench for Thursday's match against Girona.
Analysis: Zubeldia is back in the team sheet Thursday as expected, as the defender earns a spot on the bench. He has been a starter this season and will look for that spot back in the final two games of the season, starting in 21 of his 22 appearances.
Back available Wednesday
Zubeldia (thigh) has been included in the squad for Thursday's clash against Girona, according to the club.
Analysis: Zubeldia's return to the matchday squad is a welcome development after more than a month on the sidelines with the thigh injury. The defender's inclusion gives coach Pellegrino Matarazzo additional options at the back heading into the final fixtures of the season, with Duje Caleta-Car having covered in his absence. Zubeldia should push to reclaim his starting role over the remaining matches as Real Sociedad close out the campaign.
Trains with team Tuesday
Zubeldia (thigh) returned to team training Tuesday and is targeting a return for Saturday's clash against Real Betis, the club posted.
Analysis: Zubeldia had been ruled out for more than one month after picking up a thigh injury, making his return to collective sessions a welcome development for Real Sociedad heading into the final fixtures of the season. The defender should push to regain his starting role in upcoming fixtures, with Duje Caleta-Car having been the one to cover in his absence. Getting Zubeldia back in the fold gives coach Pellegrino Matarazzo more defensive options for the run-in.
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