Real Sociedad face Betis with Guedes out and Oyarzabal short of fitness | OneFootball

Three days remain before Real Sociedad kick off, with Matarazzo starting the first of three sessions for the opener against Betis at La Cartuja in Seville. The New Jersey coach faces a blunted attack, Guedes is unavailable and Oyarzabal is ready but short of minutes.

According to Diario Vasco, Oyarzabal has trained with the group for two weeks, rejoining last Tuesday after medical tests, then flew to London and played the final 29 minutes against Chelsea without impact. Fresh from a World Cup win after managing back discomfort, it would be natural for him to start on the bench, although with Mikel nothing is certain. With at least 48 matches and four competitions ahead, protecting a key asset early makes sense.

Guedes’ situation is different. He returned on 29 July with 10 days more rest than Oyarzabal, but had a personal, non-football operation 13 days ago and has not trained since, so he will miss Betis. He skipped Chelsea, yet has been seen living normally, attended the Hipódromo races nine days ago with team-mates, attends Zubieta and joined La Liga’s media day.

Óskarsson impressed in pre-season with three goals and sharper link play, and barring a medical setback he will start against Betis as he looks to improve on last season’s nine league goals, many from the bench. He escaped unhurt from a reckless challenge by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez that could have caused a serious knee injury.

Real Sociedad gained a week by moving the Real Madrid game to the 26th, yet still do not reach Seville in ideal shape after another summer of key absences. Matarazzo leads today’s workout with attention on whether Jon Gorrotxategi rejoins and whether Guedes can manage part of the work. Pacheco, with an adductor overload, and Odriozola are also sidelined.

Source: Diario Vasco

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