Real Sociedad pre-season: internationals reintegrate as Gorrotxategi and Pacheco edge toward recovery
Real Sociedad pre-season heats up as Jon Mikel Aramburu, Yangel Herrera, Orri Óskarsson and Kazunari Kita rejoin group work while Jon Gorrotxategi and Jon Pacheco progress from last season’s injuries.
Real Sociedad began its second week of pre-season with the club focused on reintegrating several internationals into full group training and monitoring the recoveries of defenders Jon Gorrotxategi and Jon Pacheco. The arrivals of Jon Mikel Aramburu, Yangel Herrera, Orri Óskarsson and Kazunari Kita were notable after those players missed the recent friendly against Pau FC. Head coach Pellegrino Matarazzo and the medical team watched closely as both Gorrotxategi and Pacheco participated in on-field work, a positive sign for their return to competitive readiness.
Internationals rejoin group training at Zubieta
The quartet of Aramburu, Yangel, Óskarsson and Kita had been absent from the Pau FC friendly after joining the squad only a few days earlier.
They trained separately at another pitch within the Zubieta complex while the rest of the squad completed the matchday session against the French side.
Club staff expect those players to fully integrate with the main group this week and be available for upcoming friendly fixtures.
The return of these internationals during Real Sociedad pre-season provides Matarazzo with more options as he evaluates combinations and minutes ahead of the competitive campaign.
Saturday friendly against Racing de Santander open to supporters
Real Sociedad plans to stage a practice match on Saturday at Zubieta against Racing de Santander with free public access, offering supporters an early look at the squad.
The fixture will serve as another low-risk opportunity for players returning from short absences to gain match minutes in front of fans.
For those who missed the Pau FC game, including the recently arrived internationals, the Zubieta friendly represents a chance to demonstrate fitness and adapt to Matarazzo’s tactical demands.
Club officials view these open sessions as useful both for performance assessment and for strengthening the link between the team and its supporters during pre-season.
Gorrotxategi’s recurring pubalgia remains a concern
Jon Gorrotxategi’s presence on the training pitch was greeted as encouraging, yet his history of pubic discomfort continues to draw caution from the medical staff.
Gorrotxategi suffered interruptions in previous pre-seasons and was forced to reduce his involvement in the latter stages of last campaign, nearly missing the final because of groin-related pain.
The club is pursuing a load-management strategy to protect him from relapse, balancing increasing intensity with preventive measures during sessions.
While seeing him on grass is positive, Real Sociedad will monitor his condition closely through the coming weeks before committing to match minutes.
Pacheco progressing after May 21, 2026 ankle operation
Jon Pacheco also participated in the recent training activity after a surgical procedure to remove a loose body from his right ankle on May 21, 2026.
The club describes him as being in the final phase of rehabilitation, making measured returns to ball work and group drills under supervision.
Pacheco spent the 2025–26 season on loan at Deportivo Alavés, and his recovery timeline will influence both Real Sociedad’s plans and any decisions about further loan moves to secure playing time.
Matarazzo has not yet overseen Pacheco in full competitive action, so the coaching staff will use pre-season fixtures to assess his readiness for the coming campaign.
Pellegrino Matarazzo evaluates depth while club considers central defence additions
Head coach Pellegrino Matarazzo is using these early sessions to test combinations and evaluate squad depth across several positions.
The central defensive area remains a focus for reinforcement, and Pacheco’s recovery will factor into the club’s recruitment and loan strategies.
If Pacheco is deemed not yet ready for sustained first-team minutes, the club may opt to send him on loan again so he can accumulate appearances and continue his development.
Matarazzo’s first full summer with the squad requires careful calibration between integrating returning players and pursuing targets to bolster the roster.
Medical staff emphasize cautious ramp-up and load management
Real Sociedad’s medical and performance teams are coordinating closely with coaching staff to manage workloads during pre-season.
Players coming off varied schedules and recent surgeries face distinct rehabilitation pathways, so individualized plans are being applied at Zubieta.
Load monitoring, targeted strength work and progressive match exposure are the cornerstones of the club’s approach this week.
The aim is to bring the squad to optimal fitness while minimizing the risk of lingering issues resurfacing during the campaign.
The club’s early pre-season tone is one of cautious optimism: internationals are returning to group work, Gorrotxategi and Pacheco are visible on the grass after extended absences, and coaching staff continue to assess personnel ahead of the first competitive fixtures.
