Real Sociedad vs Man Utd team & injury news - 11 ruled out, four doubts and two set to return

Real Sociedad are struggling with a spate of injuries ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash with Manchester United.

The Spanish side have six players who will definitely miss out, with Mikel Oyarzabal and Martin Merquelanz yet to play at all this season, while Takefusa Kubo is out with a shoulder problem and Umar Sadiq suffered a cruciate ligament rupture in September. Elsewhere, Ander Martin has a knee injury and Momo Cho sustained a hamstring problem earlier this month that will prevent him from playing.

Full-backs Alex Sola and Aihen Munoz are both doubts with knocks, although they’re not thought to be long-term problems, while Ander Barrenetxea has a muscular problem. Ex-Manchester City star David Silva is the final fitness concern for Sociedad, with the Spaniard dealing with a thigh problem at present.

As for United, they also have several injuries to contend with. Anthony Martial returned to training this week following a back injury but didn’t make the journey to Spain.

Nor did Antony or Jadon Sancho, with the latter out through illness while Antony hasn’t shaken off the injury that prevented him from playing against West Ham United at the weekend. Elsewhere, Tom Heaton wasn’t listed among the goalkeepers that flew to Spain on Wednesday, with Radek Vitek named in his stead.

Yet, in more positive news, Victor Lindelof is back after missing Sunday’s win over the Hammers through illness, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka was also selected in the travelling squad. The former Crystal Palace man has played just four minutes since Erik ten Hag’s appointment but offers competition for Diogo Dalot at right-back.

Raphael Varane remains out as a result of the injury he picked up at Stamford Bridge and is a concern for France’s World Cup squad.

Ruled out: Oyarzabal, Kubo, Merquelanz, Martin, Cho, Sadiq; Heaton, Varane, Antony, Sancho, Martial.

Doubtful: Sola, Munoz, Silva, Barrenetxea

Returning: Lindelof, Wan-Bissaka.