Real Sociedad preseason: Week five begins with Take Kubo back while Jon Gorrotxategi remains sidelined
Real Sociedad preseason hits week five: Take Kubo returns to full training while Jon Gorrotxategi remains sidelined. Pellegrino adjusts fitness and plans.
Real Sociedad’s preseason moved into its fifth week on Tuesday as the squad continued physical and tactical preparations ahead of the new season. The Real Sociedad preseason has been notable for the return of Take Kubo to group work and the continued absence of midfielder Jon Gorrotxategi, who remains out with pubic complaints. Head coach Pellegrino Matarazzo oversaw the session with a mix of returning internationals and players managing recovery, signalling careful load management as the club steps up match-specific work.
Gorrotxategi remains out with ongoing pubic issues
Jon Gorrotxategi did not take part in Tuesday’s training and continues a spell on the sidelines that has reached a month, the club confirmed. The midfielder’s absence is being managed conservatively as medical staff monitor his pubic discomfort and tailor a recovery plan to avoid aggravation. Gorrotxategi is one of several players not available for full sessions, and his status will be evaluated ahead of competitive fixtures once pain-free training is sustained.
Take Kubo completes full group work after World Cup layoff
Take Kubo, who missed time after sustaining an injury at the World Cup, rejoined the main group this week and completed training along with the rest of the squad. The Japan international had only returned to the club fold last Thursday but trained fully on Tuesday, suggesting he has passed initial fitness milestones. Coaching staff indicated Kubo could receive minutes in the coming weekend’s preparations if he continues to tolerate training loads without setbacks.
Other returning players clear minor problems
Dani Díaz and Sergio Gómez also trained in full after overcoming minor summer complaints, marking a welcome boost to Pellegrino’s options. Both players had been managed through reduced sessions in earlier days but have now progressed to normal group work, which will help the coaching staff test combinations in training matches. Their return alongside Kubo allows the team to restore greater tactical balance and depth during high-intensity rehearsals.
Long-term absentees and managed recoveries
Real Sociedad continue to contend with a small group of longer-term absentees, including Álvaro Odriozola, Pablo Marín, and Mikel Goti, who remain outside full participation. The club is managing each case according to individual rehabilitation protocols, prioritizing long-term availability over short-term gains. Jon Karrikaburu has also been treated differently in training, with his load reduced as the club navigates an expected exit and aims to deliver him in optimal condition for his next destination.
Pellegrino Matarazzo’s approach to load and integration
Head coach Pellegrino Matarazzo, who joined the club after his work in New Jersey, has overseen a measured preseason plan that balances physical conditioning with tactical continuity. Sessions have combined aerobic and strength work with positional drills designed to embed his preferred systems while evaluating players returning from international duty and injury. The coach is using controlled minutes and tailored workloads to avoid recurrence of injuries seen in recent months, a method that has guided selections in training matches and internal scrimmages.
Squad implications and early-season readiness
The ongoing mix of recoveries and absences will shape Real Sociedad’s early-season roster decisions and minutes allocation in friendlies. If Kubo continues on his current trajectory, he could contribute creative spark in the opening preparation fixtures, easing pressure on the club to rely heavily on transfers. Meanwhile, the management of Karrikaburu’s minutes reflects typical practice when a player’s departure is likely, enabling him to maintain match sharpness without risking new injury before moving clubs.
Real Sociedad’s medical and technical teams remain aligned in their objectives: restore fitness, protect players from relapse, and steadily increase competitive tempo. That approach aims to ensure the squad arrives at the season’s start with the maximum number of players available and physically prepared for the demands of La Liga and continental commitments.
Upcoming fixtures and what to watch this weekend
The club has scheduled preparatory matches for the coming days that will provide the coaching staff with concrete data on player readiness. Those friendlies will be important opportunities to assess Kubo’s match fitness, integrate Dani Díaz and Sergio Gómez into tactical setups, and confirm how the team copes tactically without Gorrotxategi. Observers should focus on Real Sociedad’s midfield balance, the tempo of buildup play, and how Pellegrino adapts personnel to cover absences while preserving the team’s identity.
Transfer context and squad balance
Real Sociedad’s preseason work takes place against a backdrop of anticipated transfer activity that could alter the final make-up of the squad. The club has tended to manage players expected to depart with reduced loads to preserve value and fitness, a strategy visible in the careful handling of Karrikaburu. Any incoming reinforcements are likely to be integrated gradually, as the coaching staff prioritizes familiarity with training methods and tactical expectations before assigning substantive minutes.
The next ten days will be particularly telling for squad dynamics, as minutes in friendly fixtures accumulate and the medical team publishes clearer timelines for those returning from injury. Fans and analysts will be watching how quickly the team can establish a match rhythm that reflects Pellegrino’s principles while accommodating a handful of players still on the mend.
Real Sociedad’s preseason continues with an emphasis on recovery, measured intensity and tactical refinement as the squad prepares for competitive demands. The return of l key players to full training, combined with prudent management of lingering injuries and potential transfers, positions the club to enter the new season with a balanced and resilient group.
