Oyarzabal included in Real Sociedad squad for Chelsea visit with Xabi Alonso

Mikel Oyarzabal has been included in Real Sociedad's squad for tomorrow's trip to London, where they face Xabi Alonso's Chelsea in a pre-season friendly at 15:00 (Spanish time), according to MARCA. The txuriurdin captain has barely had time to train with the group—just four days—but refused to miss this meaningful encounter before LaLiga's start.

Oyarzabal's presence stands out alongside other positive news: Pablo Marín and Goti return after recovering from injuries that sidelined them for weeks. However, the squad is weakened by significant absences. Gonçalo Guedes remains sidelined with no return date following personal surgery, Jon Gorrotxategi continues out with pubis issues, and Jon Pacheco has missed this opportunity without fully recovering from his physical problems.

Final tune-up before the league

This Stamford Bridge friendly marks the final pre-season preparation. Real face their league debut next Friday, August 21st, at La Cartuja against Betis, and Matarazzo will seek a strong performance after conceding two goals across five previous friendlies. Javi López will not travel: he's heading to Rotterdam to finalize his loan move to Feyenoord.

All indications suggest the coach will field a starting eleven very close to the one that will begin the league, with Remiro in goal, a defense of Aramburu, Jon Martín, Zubeldia and Sergio Gómez, the midfield double pivot of Yangel and Turrientes, the three attacking midfielders Kubo, Soler and Barrenetxea, and Óskarsson up front.