Real Sociedad have “alarm bells” ringing after injury concern, excellent star wrapped in “cotton wool” for Man Utd clash

Real Sociedad have had “alarm bells” ringing this week after a potential injury concern ahead of their clash against Manchester United.

Manchester United head into a crucial Europa League clash against Real Sociedad this week, with their season on the line.

On Sunday, they endured a painful FA Cup exit, falling to Fulham on penalties in the fifth round after Victor Lindelöf and Joshua Zirkzee had their spot-kicks saved.

Ruben Amorim’s side sit 14th in the Premier League, well outside the European qualification spots, making the Europa League their only realistic shot at silverware and a route to the Champions League.

A difficult round-of-16 test awaits, with the first-leg set to take place in Spain this Thursday before the return clash happens at Old Trafford next week.

Sociedad alarm bells after injury concern

While United are awaiting fitness updates on Harry Maguire, Sociedad have been sweating about the fitness of their own star player.

Martin Zubimendi came off at half-time in Sociedad’s 4-0 defeat to Barcelona on the weekend with an injury concern.

The excellent midfield player is reportedly set to join Arsenal in the summer and is one of Sociedad’s most important players.

A report from Noticias de Gipuzkoa says that the 28-year-old’s injury had set off “alarm bells” at the Spanish club, who quickly took the player for scans after the game.

It was claimed that scans showed that Zubimendi has not “suffered a fibre tear”, which is positive news for the La Liga outfit.

The report finalised that Zubimendi should be fit enough to face United later this week, but Sociedad are taking precaution and wrapping the player in “cotton wool” until kick-off on Thursday.

Fernandes warns United about Sociedad strengths

United captain Bruno Fernandes has warned his teammates about the level of Sociedad ahead of the all-important clash this week.

“It’s going to be a tough one, a Spanish team that plays brilliant football, very, very good players up front, very [high] quality coming out from the back,” the 30-year-old told club media.

“So we need to be fresh to run again because they will make us run, and then when we have the ball, we have to make them run too.”

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Despite the Reds being in poor form, fans will be expecting Fernandes to be one of the players to step up for this game as he has done all season for the underperforming side.

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