Real Sociedad vs Valencia Match Preview: Key Absences and Impact

Match Context

Real Sociedad host Valencia at Anoeta in San Sebastian on 17 May 2026, in La Liga Regular Season - 37. The hosts sit 8th on 45 points (goal difference -1), while Valencia arrive 11th with 43 points (goal difference -12).

Real Sociedad Availability

Real Sociedad face multiple absences. A. Barrenetxea (Yellow Cards) is sidelined, while A. Barrenetxea (Injury) is doubtful, underlining both disciplinary and fitness concerns around the winger. G. Guedes (Toe Injury) is sidelined, removing a direct attacking option. A. Odriozola (Knee Injury) is sidelined, further limiting full back depth. I. Ruperez (Knee Injury) is sidelined, adding to the defensive issues. Top scorer Mikel Oyarzabal, with 15 league goals and 3 assists, is available and remains the focal point of Real Sociedad’s attack.

Valencia Availability

Valencia also travel with a lengthy injury list. L. Beltran (Knee Injury) is sidelined, weakening their forward line. J. Copete (Ankle Injury) is sidelined, while M. Diakhaby (Muscle Injury) and D. Foulquier (Knee Injury) are sidelined, significantly impacting defensive options. J. Gaya (Injury) is doubtful, and Renzo Saravia (Injury) is doubtful, leaving uncertainty in the full back positions. Key creator Luis Rioja, who has 6 league assists, is available to supply Valencia’s 39-goal attack.

Impact Summary

Real Sociedad’s absences mainly erode their width and defensive depth, but with 55 league goals and Oyarzabal fit, their core attacking output is preserved. Valencia’s cluster of defensive injuries and doubts could prove more damaging structurally, even though their primary chance creator Rioja remains available to drive an attack that has produced 39 goals.