Oyarzabal tightens the race for Real's attack spots

Mikel Oyarzabal's return to Pellegrino Matarazzo's plans reshapes Real Sociedad's attacking lineup after his injury layoff. According to Marca, the captain, who is an undisputed starter when fit, pushes five quality players back into a scramble for the remaining attacking spots: Ander Barrenetxea, Orri Óskarsson, Take Kubo, Luka Sucic and Gonçalo Guedes (once recovered from surgery).

Oyarzabal logged his first thirty minutes of the summer on Saturday against Chelsea in the final preseason friendly, managing just four training sessions after three weeks off. If his progress continues, he could be ready for his competitive debut on Friday against Real Betis at La Cartuja.

Tactical puzzle

Matarazzo's call on where to deploy the international will be crucial. If he plays his usual winger role, either Óskarsson (undisputed starter all summer) or one of Barrenetxea or Kubo must step aside. Alternatively, positioning Oyarzabal as an attacking midfielder would shift Sucic to the bench.

Guedes's prolonged absence from training after surgery might make Oyarzabal an early starter. The reality is that without reinforcements, Real faces the season with healthy attacking competition, though players like Marín, Zakharyan or Goti face even steeper odds.