Barrenetxea and Sarr, two major losses for Real in just four days

Barrenetxea suffered a serious injury against Rayo Vallecano; medical report delayed until Wednesday. Sarr also sidelined.

Real Sociedad's injury crisis deepened with two key players sidelined within days. Ander Barrenetxea suffered what appears to be a significant injury in the third consecutive start against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, tearing something during an attacking move.

The club delayed its medical report until Wednesday as specialists continued analysing tests, suggesting the injury is serious. He is expected to miss a substantial period, with nine matches remaining for the txuri urdin before the end of 2026 across Europa League, Copa del Rey and La Liga.

Mamadou Sarr, the centre-back, was also ruled out after requesting a substitution at half-time during Thursday's Europa League match against Lyon. Manager Imanol Matarazzo must now manage without two key pieces during a punishing fixture schedule. Barrenetxea had been in strong form, recording two assists in recent matches and appearing in 14 of 16 official games this season, with ten starts.

The injury mirrors a similar pattern from May when he was injured in his third consecutive start against Girona.