Kubo back in Real's squad for double friendly in Germany

Real Sociedad heads to Germany this morning to play a double friendly against Cologne, the final step in their pre-season preparations. The squad will arrive in Cologne around 14:00 and manager Pellegrino Matarazzo has called up 27 players for the two matches, which will allow many to get close to 90 minutes of action.

The standout news from the squad announcement is the return of Take Kubo, who finally makes his summer debut after overcoming the injury he suffered at the Qatar World Cup. The Japanese forward took a cautious approach to his pre-season work and will see limited minutes due to lack of match fitness and the abundance of attacking options available.

Also included in the travelling party is Theo Folgado as third-choice goalkeeper, while Dani Díaz returns to the squad after having dropped to the B team, with the Guedes transfer opening the door for a temporary recall. Meanwhile, Odriozola, Marín, Karrikaburu, Goti, Gorrotxategi and the still-on-holiday Mikel Oyarzabal are the main absences.