Real Sociedad injury puts Ander Barrenetxea’s Spain place in doubt

Ander Barrenetxea was forced off during Real Sociedad’s match against Rayo Vallecano after suffering a thigh problem, placing his involvement in Spain’s upcoming Nations League fixtures in doubt.

The 24-year-old winger left the field in the 70th minute after feeling pain while running without any pressure from an opponent. He immediately held the affected area before deciding he could not continue.

Barrenetxea appeared visibly distressed as he walked off in tears alongside members of Real Sociedad’s medical staff. They attempted to comfort him on the touchline, while Ochieng came on as his replacement.

The player is now due to undergo medical examinations to establish the seriousness of the injury. The results will determine how long he may be unavailable and whether he can report for international duty.

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente had selected Barrenetxea for the next two Nations League matches against Czech Republic and England. He was expected to join the Spain squad on Monday, but his participation is now uncertain pending a medical diagnosis.

Real Sociedad manager Pellegrino Matarazzo said the injury had come at an especially unfortunate time for the player.

“He has had a great deal of bad luck. Barrenetxea is going through a good period. He has been injured, but we still do not know the nature of his injury,” Matarazzo said.

Barrenetxea had made a direct contribution to Real Sociedad’s performance against Rayo Vallecano before going off. He provided the assist for the opening goal, scored by Oskarsson in the first minute.

The latest setback comes after Barrenetxea missed a major opportunity last season because of an adductor injury sustained against Girona at the Estadi Municipal de Montilivi in mid-May. That problem ruled him out of contention for the World Cup.

He had been included in De la Fuente’s initial squad at the time and was considered to have a chance of making the final selection, particularly because other players in wide positions were dealing with fitness problems. However, the injury ultimately ended his hopes of appearing at the tournament.

Barrenetxea had since recovered his importance at Real Sociedad and returned to Spain’s plans. The new thigh issue now threatens to keep him out of the squad once again.

Real Sociedad are waiting to learn the extent of the problem as soon as possible, while Spain monitor the condition of one of the wide players chosen by De la Fuente.