Ander Barrenetxea - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates

Starts in first preseason test Barrenetxea (groin) started Real Sociedad's July 11 preseason friendly against Pau FC, marking his first match action since the injury sustained against Girona in April ended his 2...

Impact Barrenetxea had already dealt with multiple fitness issues across 2025-26 before the groin injury against Girona in April closed out his season for good, a cruel end to a campaign in which he'd managed three goals and five assists in 30 appearances. His return to the starting lineup for the Pau FC friendly on July 11 is a clean bill of health in practice, and barring any new setback in the rest of preseason, he should be ready for Real Sociedad's league opener at Real Madrid.

JULY 15 • ROTOWIRE

Will miss rest of season Barrenetxea (groin) will miss the rest of the 2025/26 season after picking up an injury Thursday against Girona, the club announced Friday.

Impact The injury has more ramifications than Barrenetxea simply missing the final two games of the season, as it's uncertain whether he'll be able to recover in time for the 2026 World Cup. The winger had a few injury issues throughout the campaign and ends the 2025/26 Liga campaign with three goals and five assists across 30 appearances (22 starts).

MAY 15 • ROTOWIRE

Picks up adductor issue Thursday Barrenetxea was forced to leave the pitch because of discomfort in his left adductor during Thursday's clash against Girona.

Impact Barrenetxea could be dealing with an injury that may leave him out of the final couple of games of the season, as it ended his participation early in the midweek game. Such event would mean a tough situation for the winger, who had gained some consistency after making nine starts over the last 10 league matches and producing two assists in that span. With Goncalo Guedes (toe) also struggling to be fit, Pablo Marin and Brais Mendez could be viable backup options in upcoming fixtures.

MAY 14 • ROTOWIRE

Bags assist Barrenetxea assisted once to go with one shot (one on goal) and one chance created in Sunday's 3-3 draw against Rayo Vallecano.

Impact Barrenetxea helped his team to the draw Sunday as he earned an assist, finding Mikel Oyarzabal in the 22nd minute. This comes as he enters the starting XI again, earning an assist last time he was in the starting XI as well. He now has three goals and five assists in 27 appearances (19 starts) this season.

APRIL 27 • ROTOWIRE

Notches assist in draw Ander Barrenetxea assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 3-3 draw against Deportivo Alaves.

Impact Ander Barrenetxea's deft layoff setup the first Real Sociedad goal in their 3-3 draw versus Deportivo Alaves. The attacking midfielder created one chance and attempted one corner before being removed from proceedings to begin the second half. The assist marked Ander Barrenetxea's fourth of the campaign and first since September.

APRIL 13 • ROTOWIRE

Clears issue, available Saturday Barrenetxea (undisclosed) trained normally Tuesday alongside and is on track for Saturday's clash against Alaves, according to Angel Lopez of Diario Vasco.

Impact Barrenetxea had been a concern after requesting a substitution during the win over Levante, but his clean session on the training pitch is a major relief for Real Sociedad heading into a critical stretch of fixtures. The young winger had only just made his senior Spain debut before the scare, and getting him through training without any issues is exactly the news coach Matarazzo needed with the Copa del Rey final against Atletico on April 18 looming large on the horizon.

APRIL 9 • ROTOWIRE

Forced off against Levante Barrenetxea (undisclosed) was forced off in the 63rd minute of Saturday's clash against Levante, raising concerns with the Copa del Rey final against Atletico Madrid just two weeks...

Impact Barrenetxea's exit could not be worse for the young winger, who had just made his senior Spain debut on Tuesday and had firmly established himself in coach Matarazzo's starting lineup after previously battling through physical issues. The full extent of the problem remains unknown and the coming days will be crucial in determining his availability for Saturday's clash against Alaves and beyond. Pablo Marin is the most likely candidate to step in if Barrenetxea needs time on the sidelines, but Real Sociedad will be desperately hoping this is nothing serious with the Copa final on the horizon.

APRIL 4 • ROTOWIRE

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MARCH 20 • Associated Press

Makes bench Saturday Barrenetxea (strain) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Mallorca.

Impact Barrenetxea is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Mallorca after a four match absence due to a strain injury. The left winger previously operated in a reserve role and is expected to maintain that role moving forward.

FEBRUARY 28 • ROTOWIRE

Spotted in team training Barrenetxea (strain) returned to training with the squad Wednesday and could be an option for Saturday's clash against Mallorca, according to Diariovasco.

Impact Barrenetxea returned to training with the squad Wednesday and could be an option for Saturday's clash against Mallorca after missing the last four matches due to a strain injury. The left winger had held a reserve role prior to his setback and is expected to reclaim that spot upon his return.

FEBRUARY 25 • ROTOWIRE

Not ready yet Barrenetxea (strain) won't be an option for Saturday's game against Real Oviedo, manager Pellegrino Matarazzo told media Friday. "He should begin full training next week, but this...

Impact The winger is trending in the right direction, and if he doesn't suffer any setbacks, he has a good chance of returning to action against Real Mallorca on Saturday, Feb. 28. Barrenetxea hasn't played since Jan. 25 and has missed Real Sociedad's last three matches.

FEBRUARY 20 • ROTOWIRE

Back in training Barrenetxea (strain) was spotted in training Thursday and could be an option for Saturday's match against Oviedo, according to Diario Vasco.

Impact Barrenetxea was spotted in training Thursday and could be an option for Saturday's clash against Oviedo if the upcoming sessions prove positive, having missed the last three matches due to a strain injury. His return would provide a boost for his side, especially given the current absences in attack.

FEBRUARY 19 • ROTOWIRE

Not ready to return yet Barrenetxea (strain) won't be ready to play against Real Madrid on Saturday, manager Pellegrino Matarazzo told media Friday. "Barrenetxea and Kubo still need a few more weeks befor...

Impact Barrenetxea hasn't played since he logged 45 minutes in the Jan. 25 win over Celta Vigo, and based on Matarazzo's words, it'll be a while before he's able to return to action. Barrenetxea will aim to return before the March international break, but how he progresses in the next few weeks will be pivotal to determine a more precise timeline for his return to action.

FEBRUARY 13 • ROTOWIRE

Could train next week Barrenetxea (strain) is dealing with a muscular injury and won't play against Elche on Saturday, but he could return to training at some point next week, manager Pellegrino Mataraz...

Impact Barrenetxea is a regular option in the attack when he's fit, but it sounds like he's a bit far from returning to the side yet. That's a problem for Real Sociedad since they're thin in attacking depth as they're also without Takefusa Kubo (hamstring) and Arsen Zakharyan (calf).

FEBRUARY 6 • ROTOWIRE

Dealing with muscle contusion Barrenetxea (muscular) is dealing with a muscle contusion and ultimately missed Sunday's derby against Athletic Club after not training in recent days, according to Mundo Deportivo...

Impact Barrenetxea is reportedly dealing with a muscle contusion that has kept him out of training in recent days and ultimately forced him to miss Sunday's derby against Athletic Club. The left winger is expected to undergo further assessment in the coming days to determine the extent of the issue and whether additional time on the sidelines will be required. Pablo Marin is expected to take on a larger role on the left flank until Barrenetxea returns to full fitness.

FEBRUARY 2 • ROTOWIRE

On bench to face Atletico Barrenetxea (undisclosed) is on the bench in Sunday's matchup versus Atletico Madrid.

Impact Barrenetxea should boost his side's attacking power, offering a talented left-wing option if required during the game. He hasn't been a consistent starter since November, but he produced two goals when coming off the bench in his last few matches. He could be an alternative to Goncalo Guedes and Mikel Oyarzabal going forward.

JANUARY 4 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to training Barrenetxea (undisclosed) was spotted in training Friday, according to Marta Gonzalo of Diario AS.

Impact The return of Barrenetxea means newly-appointed manager Pellegrino Matarazzo will have his entire attacking line available for this clash. Barrenetxea has seen regular minutes when healthy, but he's not likely to feature in the XI as long as Goncalo Guedes, Mikel Oyarzabal and Takefusa Kubo are healthy.

JANUARY 2 • ROTOWIRE

Won't face Levante Barrenetxea (undisclosed) is out for Saturday's match against Levante, according to manager Jon Ansotegi. "Barrene still won't be able to train, so she would be low."

Impact Barrenetxea is hitting the sidelines for a bit of time after he was forced off injured last match, with the attacker unable to train this week. The good news is he will now have two weeks to recover with no match due to the break, hoping he can make a full recovery when the club resumes play.

DECEMBER 19, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Forced off with apparent injury Barrenetxea (undisclosed) was forced off with an apparent injury in Friday's 2-1 defeat against Girona.

Impact Barrenetxea was forced off with an apparent injury in Friday's defeat and wasn't spotted in team training over the weekend, raising some concerns for the winger. Barrenetxea has been dealing with injuries this season and started for the first time in his last four games on Friday. He will likely be assessed in the coming days to determine the extent of the issue, but an absence from the winger wouldn't have an impact on Real Sociedad's current setup.

DECEMBER 15, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Scores goal Barrenetxea scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) and one chance created in Sunday's 3-2 defeat to Villarreal. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 70th minut...

Impact Barrenetxea scored one of the two goals for Real Sociedad on Sunday, getting a shot on target with a key pass. This was his second goal in two matches, putting him at three goals and assist on the season.

DECEMBER 2, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Nets as substitute Barrenetxea scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), one cross (one accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 3-1 victory over Osasuna.

Impact Barrenetxea replaced Arsen Zakharyan in the 60th minute and then netted incredibly from the halfway line in the 82nd minute, assisted by Jon Gorrotxategi. Barrenetxea also won five duels. This was his first goal in almost two months and he is joint second for the most goal contributions at Sociedad this campaign.

NOVEMBER 22, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

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NOVEMBER 22, 2025 • Associated Press

Bench option Barrenetxea (thigh) is on the bench for Saturday's match against Osasuna.

Impact Barrenetxea was expetced to return Saturday and that has come to fruition, with the attacker fit enough for a spot on the bench. This is his first game all season being available and not starting, likely to test his legs and return to a starting role next contest.

NOVEMBER 22, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Available Saturday Barrenetxea (thigh) will be available for Saturday's game against Osasuna, manager Sergio Francisco told media during Friday's pre-match press conference. "We've been very cautious...

Impact The winger has been dealing with a nagging injury, but his involvement in training this week suggests he's ready to play. It's unclear whether he'll start or not. It's either him or Goncalo Guedes in the front three alongside Takefusa Kubo and Mikel Oyarzabal.

NOVEMBER 21, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Unlikely against Osasuna Barrenetxea (thigh) is still dealing with an injury and hasn't yet resumed team training, which suggests he is unlikely to be back available for Saturday's clash against Osasuna, a...

Impact Barrenetxea will likely miss a second La Liga game in a row after suffering a thigh injury against Athletic prior to the international break. The left winger still has to resume team training, which makes his presence for Saturday's clash against Osasuna very unlikely. If he had to miss the game Goncalo Guedes is expected to start on the left flank, while Takefusa Kubo could reclaim a starting role on the right side of the frontline.

NOVEMBER 19, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

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