Barrenetxea injury blow and Fantasy replacements

Real Sociedad

60

Ander Barrenetxea
3.870.000€8

J12

3

J11

6

J10

2

J9

6

J8

MD

22

Ander Barrenetxea is virtually certain not to play again before the end of 2026. Real Sociedad are waiting to learn the full extent of a muscle injury he picked up against Rayo Vallecano, and it does not look good. The winger underwent medical tests on Monday afternoon and the club will release a medical update on Tuesday.

Although there is still no official diagnosis, the early signs point to a fairly serious hamstring injury. A setback that could keep the player out of action for several weeks.

From decisive assist to the treatment room

Barrenetxea's bad luck Barrenetxea came just four minutes after he had produced one of the brightest moments of the match. The academy graduate produced a brilliant assist that ended up earning Real all three points against Rayo.

The winger had already felt some discomfort in the first half. In fact, when Guedes came on in the 62nd minute, he thought that Matarazzo was going to take him off. In the end, the coach decided to switch him to the other flank and Barrenetxea carried on.

From that new position he found the space to create the winning move, but shortly afterwards he had to leave the pitch because of the injury. There was even talk that he had left the field in tears, but that was not the case. After recovering from the initial shock, he was able to walk off under his own steam and without needing medical assistance.

Nine matches before the end of the year

Real Sociedad have nine fixtures in just over a month and ten days before closing out 2026. It is a demanding run in which Matarazzo could lose one of his most dangerous players.

Serious hamstring injuries usually need around six weeks to recover. If that diagnosis is confirmed, Barrenetxea would find it very difficult to return before January.

Fantasy angle

Barrenetxea's absence Barrenetxea opens up an interesting chance to look for alternatives in Real Sociedad's attack. Selling would be a sensible option. Options: 

49

Guedes
4.830.000€+30.000€1

J12

2

J11

3

J10

12

J9

11

J8

DL

12

My first choice would be Gonçalo Guedes. He is the most interesting candidate to take on a bigger role out wide. He already came on for Barrenetxea during the match against Rayo, although Matarazzo ended up moving the academy graduate back into position. He has the ability to play wide, take on defenders and create chances. If he gets a run of games, he could offer attractive Fantasy returns.

41

Kubo
3.850.000€+20.000€6

J12

3

J11

-

J10

14

J9

-

J8

MD

11

The Japanese international could also benefit. He is one of the players most capable of causing problems one-on-one and can operate on either flank. His main drawback is the consistency of his minutes, so he is not as safe a pick as he might seem. If Matarazzo gives him a run in the side, he has the case to improve his Fantasy numbers.

29

Ochieng
1.030.000€+30.000€4

J12

0

J11

0

J10

3

J9

2

J8

DL

31

Another option worth keeping an eye on is Job Ochieng. He is a player with pace, dribbling ability and the knack of attacking space. His involvement is still below that of Guedes or Kubo, but Barrenetxea's absence Barrenetxea could open the door for him. He is a riskier pick, especially appealing in leagues where there are few affordable alternatives.