Real Sociedad vs Valencia Preview: Key Absences and Player Impact
Match context
Real Sociedad host Valencia at Anoeta in San Sebastian on 17 May 2026 in La Liga, Regular Season - 37. Real Sociedad sit 8th on 45 points (goal difference -1), while Valencia are 11th with 43 points (goal difference -12).
Real Sociedad availability
Real Sociedad face multiple absences.
- A. Barrenetxea (Yellow Cards) is sidelined.
- A. Barrenetxea (Injury) is doubtful.
- G. Guedes (Toe Injury) is sidelined.
- A. Odriozola (Knee Injury) is sidelined.
- I. Ruperez (Knee Injury) is sidelined.
Top scorer Mikel Oyarzabal, with 15 goals and 3 assists in La Liga, is available and expected to carry the main attacking threat for the hosts.
Valencia availability
Valencia also travel with a lengthy list of concerns.
- L. Beltran (Knee Injury) is sidelined.
- J. Copete (Ankle Injury) is sidelined.
- M. Diakhaby (Muscle Injury) is sidelined.
- D. Foulquier (Knee Injury) is sidelined.
- J. Gaya (Injury) is doubtful.
- Renzo Saravia (Injury) is doubtful.
Key creator Luis Rioja, who has 2 goals and 6 assists, and fellow supplier Javi Guerra, also on 6 assists, are both available to start.
Impact summary
Real Sociedad’s main attacking structure remains intact thanks to Oyarzabal’s availability, despite losing depth and width with Barrenetxea and Guedes sidelined. Valencia’s absences are concentrated in defense, but with Rioja and Javi Guerra fit, much of their creative and chance-making output is preserved for this crucial late-season encounter.
