Kubo arrives at Zubieta as Sucic prepares to join Real Sociedad preseason
Kubo has returned to Zubieta to begin Real Sociedad preseason preparations, with Luka Sucic set to join the squad on Friday as both players target a step up for the 2026–27 season.
Kubo was back at the club’s training ground on Thursday after the post-World Cup break, reuniting with teammates and medical staff as Real Sociedad begin their summer work ahead of the new campaign. The Japanese forward’s presence at Zubieta is significant for the club’s preseason plans, as he and Luka Sucic are identified by coaching staff as key figures expected to push the team forward in 2026–27.
Kubo Arrives at Zubieta
Kubo reported to Zubieta in the morning and spent time with the medical and coaching teams to outline his immediate training programme. He returned after the vacations following the World Cup and was seen engaging with several teammates who are completing rehabilitation from various knocks.
The Japanese attacker finished the previous season recovering from a significant injury suffered as he was rediscovering his form, and his early return will be closely monitored by the club. Staff must now determine whether Kubo will begin individual conditioning or can integrate into group work ahead of Real Sociedad’s summer friendlies.
Medical Assessment and Fitness Outlook
Club doctors and physios conducted an initial assessment to clarify the state of the injury that sidelined Kubo for three months last season. The evaluation focused on load tolerance, muscle balance and any lingering symptoms from the injury that forced him off during the final stages of the previous campaign.
If Kubo progresses without setbacks, the plan would be for a phased increase in training intensity with the aim of making him available for the late preseason friendlies. Should any complications arise, Real Sociedad will prefer a cautious approach to protect the player’s long-term availability for the 2026–27 season.
Sucic Set to Rejoin on Friday
Luka Sucic is scheduled to report to Zubieta on Friday, completing the pair of players expected to be central to the club’s plans for next season. Coaching staff have indicated confidence in Sucic’s development after a campaign that saw him gradually earn more minutes and influence in key matches.
Sucic’s pathway into the starting group was helped by squad changes in midfield, including the departure of a senior player who previously blocked his route to consistent starts. The club’s decision to back Sucic reflects an expectation that he can build on his end-of-season form.
Performance Context from 2025–26
Kubo’s output last season dropped to two goals, a significant reduction from the seven or more goals he managed in each of the three prior campaigns. The downturn came in two phases: an uneven team start and then a serious injury that curtailed his resurgence midway through the season.
That injury limited him to 27 appearances, roughly half of the matches the squad played the year before, and prevented him from maintaining the scoring numbers that had made him a decisive figure for Real Sociedad. Restoring his previous form will be a priority for the coaching staff and a key objective in the preseason programme.
Sucic’s Late-Season Impact
Sucic’s performances late in the campaign — most notably in the Copa final in Seville — suggested he can contribute at a higher level than previously assumed. Those displays gave supporters reason for optimism and have reinforced the technical staff’s belief that he can be more influential in the coming season.
Now entering his third season with the club, Sucic will be expected to translate flashes of quality into consistent contributions across the whole campaign. The coaching team will evaluate where he fits best within Matarazzo’s tactical framework and how his skill set complements other options in midfield and attack.
Tactical Implications for Matarazzo’s Side
If Kubo can regain fitness and form, Real Sociedad will have greater tactical flexibility in wide and central attacking areas. His ability to destabilise opponents one-on-one and contribute in transition adds a distinct dimension to the team’s offensive profile.
Sucic’s emergence provides additional depth in the attacking midfield slots and offers Matarazzo a different profile — a player capable of influencing the game late through clever movement and link-up play. The coaching staff will balance minutes and roles during preseason to identify combinations that maximize both players’ strengths.
Preseason Objectives and Squad Competition
Real Sociedad’s preseason will focus on fitness, tactical cohesion and injury prevention, with particular emphasis on integrating returning internationals and rehabilitated players. Match minutes in friendly fixtures will be used to assess readiness and to refine player roles before competitive obligations begin.
Competition for places will intensify as several players seek to consolidate or improve their status in the squad hierarchy. The coaching staff have signalled that performance in training and preparation matches will determine selection decisions, while medical reports will guide workload management for those recovering from injury.
Kubo’s return to Zubieta marks an early and encouraging step for Real Sociedad as they assemble for the 2026–27 season, and Luka Sucic’s looming arrival on Friday completes a pair of players whose progress could shape the team’s campaign outcomes. The coming weeks of training and friendlies will be decisive in clarifying fitness timelines, tactical roles and how both players can contribute to the club’s ambitions.
