Barcelona handed major boost with six Real Sociedad players ruled out of crucial clash | OneFootball

Real Sociedad will have to face Barcelona next Sunday without Nayef Aguerd among five other absentees.

The centre-back, who played a key role in the team’s defensive structure, was forced off the pitch in the 32nd minute during the recent clash against Leganes.

A medical assessment confirmed that he has suffered a minor muscle tear, ruling him out of the upcoming fixture.

Apart from his injury, Aguerd was already at risk of missing the game against Barcelona due to suspension.

He was one of seven Real Sociedad players carrying a yellow card and seemed ready to challenge a refereeing decision, which could have resulted in another booking.

Instead, he will now serve his suspension on the next matchday, adding another reason for his absence.

Kubo will miss too

Takefusa Kubo will miss the Barcelona game. (Photo by Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images)

Apart from Aguerd, Takefusa Kubo will also miss the encounter against Barcelona. The Japanese forward received his fifth yellow card of the season after a heated clash with Renato Tapia, meaning he will be suspended.

His absence is particularly significant, given his history with La Masia, where he spent part of his youth career before moving elsewhere.

Beyond Aguerd and Kubo, Real Sociedad will be without several other key players. Injuries have sidelined Hamari Traore, Jon Pacheco, and Luka Sucic, while Sheraldo Becker remains suspended, serving the second match of his ban.

The squad will already be stretched, having just played a Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Madrid during the week.

Furthermore, with a crucial Europa League round of 16 tie on the horizon, the coaching staff may opt for a rotated starting eleven against Barcelona to manage player fatigue.

The mounting absences present a significant challenge for Real Sociedad as they prepare to take on the Catalan giants. While it is indeed a great loss for Real Sociedad, Barcelona will benefit a lot in their La Liga title race.