Ander Barrenetxea
RSO
Immediate returns in start
Ander Barrenetxea scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-1 win over Espanyol.
Analysis: Barrenetxea scored in the fourth minute to immediately provide a spark in his starting role, though he only took one more shot the rest of the way. The attacker will get an opportunity to add more goals against Celta Vigo, a team which has already allowed four in three matches and conceded 48 in last season's LaLiga campaign.
Available from bench
Barrenetxea (calf) is on the bench for Wednesday's match against Real Madrid.
Analysis: Barrenetxea was held out of training Monday as a precaution after suffering a calf contusion against Betis but was able to rejoin his teammates Tuesday. However, the match will come too soon for him to earn a starting spot, with Job Ochieng getting a rare start on the left flank. Barrenetxea is expected to compete with Goncalo Guedes and Takefusa Kubo for one of the two wing spots going forward.
Returns to team training
Barrenetxea (calf) returned to team training Tuesday after missing Monday's session due to a calf contusion, though his availability for the clash against Real Madrid remains uncertain, according to El Diario Vasco.
Analysis: Barrenetxea was held out of training Monday as a precaution after suffering the contusion against Betis but was able to rejoin his teammates Tuesday. The winger trained with a bandage around his calf and does not appear to be fully recovered, leaving his status for the trip to Real Madrid dependent on how he responds ahead of the match. His return to the group is nonetheless an encouraging sign that the issue is not expected to result in a lengthy absence.
Unlikely for Wednesday
Barrenetxea didn't train Monday due to the knock he sustained in the loss to Real Betis on Friday, and he might not be fit enough to face Real Madrid on Wednesday, according to A. Lopez of El Diario Vasco.
Analysis: Not having Barrenetxea would be a huge blow for Real Sociedad, as they're already missing Goncalo Guedes (undisclosed) while neither Mikel Oyarzabal nor Takefusa Kubo are ready to play a full 90 yet. With Barrenetxea not expected to be available against Los Merengues, Jon Karrikaburu, Orri Oskarsson and Arsen Zakharyan are all options to see more minutes in the final third.
Starts in first preseason test
Barrenetxea (groin) started Real Sociedad's July 11 preseason friendly against Pau FC, marking his first match action since the injury sustained against Girona in April ended his 2025-26 season early, according to Marca.
Analysis: Barrenetxea had already dealt with multiple fitness issues across 2025-26 before the groin injury against Girona in April closed out his season for good, a cruel end to a campaign in which he'd managed three goals and five assists in 30 appearances. His return to the starting lineup for the Pau FC friendly on July 11 is a clean bill of health in practice, and barring any new setback in the rest of preseason, he should be ready for Real Sociedad's league opener at Real Madrid.
Will miss rest of season
Barrenetxea (groin) will miss the rest of the 2025/26 season after picking up an injury Thursday against Girona, the club announced Friday.
Analysis: The injury has more ramifications than Barrenetxea simply missing the final two games of the season, as it's uncertain whether he'll be able to recover in time for the 2026 World Cup. The winger had a few injury issues throughout the campaign and ends the 2025/26 Liga campaign with three goals and five assists across 30 appearances (22 starts).
Picks up adductor issue Thursday
Barrenetxea was forced to leave the pitch because of discomfort in his left adductor during Thursday's clash against Girona.
Analysis: Barrenetxea could be dealing with an injury that may leave him out of the final couple of games of the season, as it ended his participation early in the midweek game. Such event would mean a tough situation for the winger, who had gained some consistency after making nine starts over the last 10 league matches and producing two assists in that span. With Goncalo Guedes (toe) also struggling to be fit, Pablo Marin and Brais Mendez could be viable backup options in upcoming fixtures.
Bags assist
Barrenetxea assisted once to go with one shot (one on goal) and one chance created in Sunday's 3-3 draw against Rayo Vallecano.
Analysis: Barrenetxea helped his team to the draw Sunday as he earned an assist, finding Mikel Oyarzabal in the 22nd minute. This comes as he enters the starting XI again, earning an assist last time he was in the starting XI as well. He now has three goals and five assists in 27 appearances (19 starts) this season.
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