against Real Sociedad, PSG faces a sick team

Opposed to PSG on Wednesday, in the round of 16 first leg of the Champions League, the Basque club regrets numerous injuries while its results have been at half mast in recent weeks.

On December 18, Paris Saint-Germain learned the name of their opponent in the round of 16 first leg of the Champions League. He knew then, especially as second in his group during the group stage, that Real Sociedad was undoubtedly a favorable draw in comparison with the other possible opponents: Manchester City, Bayern Munich or even Real Madrid . Two months later, on the eve of hosting the Basque club at the Parc des Princes, Wednesday February 14, PSG is certainly all the more convinced.

Because since the draw, the situation of Real Sociedad is no longer the same. At the time, the Txuri-Urdin (Blues and Whites) had just finished at the top of their C1 group ahead of Inter Milan and were riding a series of nine games without defeat.

Today, it’s the opposite. The San Sebastián club has not won any of its last four meetings, in all competitions, and remains with a defeat on its lawn against Osasuna (1-0) on Saturday. Their last victory dates back to January 23, against Celta Vigo (2-1), in the Copa del Rey.

An attack at half mast

Above all, Imanol Alguacil’s players have not scored any goals in these last four matches despite 21 shots on Saturday. “We have to try to be better than our opponents like today, to create more chances like today, but we will have to be more precise in the last gesture than today”replied the coach, in post since the end of 2018, when asked after the defeat against Osasuna about the keys to achieving an exploit in Paris.

This disastrous period is linked to various absences. First those of the Malian Hamari Traoré and the Japanese Takefusa Kubo, entered respectively in the African Cup of Nations and the Asian Cup of Nations in January. Then, those of the many injured.

Since the start of 2024, the Basque infirmary has been filling up continuously. Before traveling to the French capital, Real Sociedad is already assured of the withdrawals of left side Aihen Munoz (rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament of the left knee) and its attackers Sheraldo Becker (hamstring injury of the right leg) and Carlos Fernandez (knee). Not to mention the suspension of its central defender Aritz Elustondo.

Concern around Oyarzabal

She could deplore more depending on the physical state of her three other uncertain players: Alvaro Odriozola (knee collateral ligament), Kieran Tierney (thigh injury) and especially Mikel Oyarzabal (knee).

The latter’s health has been of great concern since his knee injury against Girona (0-0) on February 3. In addition to being the captain, the 26-year-old striker is none other than his team’s top scorer this season with 12 goals in all competitions.

With his knee still swollen, Oyarzabal did not appear on the match sheet in the last two matches. “It is evolving more slowly than expected, it was a very strong blow”, lamented coach Imanol Alguacil, at a press conference on Friday. The Spanish international (26 caps) should travel to Paris but his presence on the pitch remains very uncertain.

The only clearing in the Basque Country, Imanol Alguacil will be able to count on his returnees from the continental cups (Kubo and Traoré) but also on his executives Robin Le Normand and Ander Barrenetxea, recently injured.