Aramburu y Aritz the only right-backs left after Odriozola blow at Real Sociedad | OneFootball

Real Sociedad’s right-back plans have been upended after Álvaro Odriozola suffered a serious cruciate ligament injury, leaving Pellegrino Matarazzo with few options in the coming months.

In summer the role had five candidates, including Aritz Elustondo, which eased Hamari Traoré’s move to Paris FC and prompted a search for a new destination for Odriozola, whose fitness issues limited his continuity. According to AS, the latest setback leaves the position short.

For now the only natural right-back available is Jon Aramburu, who will be relied upon to stay fit. The immediate alternative is Aritz, resuming his defensive utility duties despite having had few minutes so far.

Looking to the B team is not straightforward. Iñaki Rupérez was promoted after impressing Sergio Francisco in pre-season, but he is still recovering from the injury sustained in summer and cannot yet be considered.

Jon Garro could step in if required, although Alberto Dadie’s case is different. At 23, if he features for the first team he would be unable to return to the reserves for the remainder of the campaign.

The expectation is that Rupérez will rejoin training gradually, yet he will need time to regain match sharpness after months out. In the meantime, Real Sociedad must manage defensive minutes carefully to avoid the situation worsening.

Source: AS