IGOR ZUBELDIA NEWS

Stalwart defensive performance Zubeldia had one tackle (zero won), five clearances and two interceptions in Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Athletic. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 21st minute.

Impact Zubeldia led the Real Sociedad defensive effort with five clearances Sunday, though they fell 1-0 to Athletic Bilbao. The veteran defender has given no quarter to opposing attackers over his most recent five appearances (five starts) in all competitions. During this run of play, Zubeldia has made eight tackles (four won), eight interceptions, seven blocks and 21 clearances while contributing to two clean sheet efforts.

NOVEMBER 25 • ROTOWIRE

Starting Wednesday Zubeldia (back) is in the starting XI for Wednesday's clash with Alaves.

Impact Zubeldia is in the starting XI after overcoming a back injury that held him out Saturday. He did train earlier in the week so it's unsurprising to see him back to full fitness. Now that he is fit once more, Zubeldia should be a consistent option in the starting XI.

AUGUST 28 • ROTOWIRE

Out Saturday Zubeldia (lumbargo) is out for Saturday's trip to Espanyol, according to manager Imanol Alguacil.

Impact Zubeldia is dealing with a back issue, and has largely overcome the previous issue he was dealing with in his thigh. The defender is now targeting a return for a Wednesday clash with Alaves. Jon Pacheco should be in line for another start with Zubeldia on the sideline.

AUGUST 23 • ROTOWIRE

Trains with group Zubeldia (thigh) was seen back in training with the team ahead of Saturday's trip to Espanyol.

Impact Zubeldia is on the right track to return Saturday after missing the opening match with a thigh injury. His presence will be a big boost to the team's back line, after producing 94 clearances in 30 appearances during the 2023/24 campaign.

AUGUST 21 • ROTOWIRE

Likely to return against Espanyol Zubeldia (thigh) is out for Sunday's match against Rayo Vallecano but is expected to return against Espanyol on Aug. 24, according to manager Imanol Alguacil, per Joelia Mejias of...

Impact Zubeldia unfortunately will have to sit out the club's opening match of the season but on the bright side, he is set for a return in their next match. This is great news for the club, as he is set to be a regular starter this season. That said, expect him to likely return and start against Espanyol, with Jon Pacheco taking his spot against Rayo.

AUGUST 17 • ROTOWIRE

Likely to return against Espanyol Zubeldia (thigh) is out for Sunday's match against Rayo Vallecano but is expected to return against Espanyol on Aug. 24, according to manager Imanol Alguacil, per Joelia Mejias of...

Impact Zubeldia unfortunately will have to sit out the club's opening match of the season but on the bright side, he is set for a return in their next match. This is great news for the club, as he is set to be a regular starter this season. That said, expect him to likely return and start against Espanyol, with Jon Pacheco taking his spot against Rayo.

AUGUST 17 • ROTOWIRE

Dealing with injury Zubeldia suffered an injury to his thigh in training Wednesday, according to his club.

Impact Zubeldia could be starting the season on the injury list, as he has gone down with an issue just two weeks out from the start of the campaign. This could be a significant loss for the club, as he did start in 29 of his 30 appearances last season, likely holding the same role this campaign. However, with no further information on the issue, it is unknown how serious he is hurt or how long he will be out, so his status to face Rayo on Aug. 18 is up in the air.

AUGUST 7 • ROTOWIRE

Plays preseason match Zubeldia (hamstring) started in Thursday's 1-0 preseason win over Osaka.

Impact Zubeldia returned to the pitch for preseason play after ending last season with a hamstring injury. He was a regulars starter for the team during his ninth campaign with the team, assisting twice while averaging about 3.1 clearances per match. The defender is set to play another year as a starter in La Liga, playing alongside Robin Le Normand.

JULY 25 • ROTOWIRE

Done for Sociedad Zubeldia (hamstring) did not get the call for Saturday's match against Atletico Madrid.

Impact Zubeldia's season was set to be over after missing the last four matches with a hamstring injury. He ends the year making 29 starts in 30 appearances, generating two assists while logging in 94 clearances, 32 tackles (25 won) and 32 interceptions.

MAY 24 • ROTOWIRE

Season in jeopardy Zubeldia picked up a hamstring injury in the final training session before Saturday's 2-0 win over Las Palmas as his season is set to be in jeopardy, reports Noticias de Gipuzkoa.

Impact Zubeldia had only missed a few matches this season, having been able to start 29 times in 30 appearances this season, producing two goals while averaging about 3.1 clearances per game. Both Robin Le Normand and Jon Pacheco are set to continue to start at center back for Sociedad.

MAY 9 • ROTOWIRE

Completes suspension Zubeldia completed his one-game suspension and will be available to face Barcelona on May 13.

Impact Zubeldia missed the 2-0 win over Las Palmas, but he should be back in the XI to face Barcelona, as he's been a regular starter at the back for the Donostiarra side in league play. He's racked up 29 starts and 30 appearances during the 2023/24 LaLiga campaign.

MAY 6 • ROTOWIRE

Suspended to face Las Palmas Zubeldia received his 10th yellow card of the Liga season and will be suspended to face Las Palmas on Saturday.

Impact Zubeldia will be suspended for yellow-card accumulation for the second time this season. The defender's next chance to return will come against Barcelona on May 13.

APRIL 29 • ROTOWIRE

Completes one-game ban Zubeldia completed his one-game suspension and is eligible to face Real Madrid on Friday.

Impact The veteran defender has started in all but two of the league matches he's been available for this season, and he seems to be a lock to return to the central defense alongside Robin Le Normand for a tough matchup against the league leaders. Zubeldia has racked up 94 clearances, 32 tackles and 30 interceptions this season.

APRIL 22 • ROTOWIRE

Sent off with straight red Sunday Zubeldia was sent off due to a straight red card in the 87th minute of Sunday's 2-2 draw against Almeria. He finished with three clearances and two tackles.

Impact Zubeldia was sent off after grabbing Anthony Lozano inside the box when the Honduran striker was about to score from close range. Zubeldia will miss the Getafe match on Sunday, and if his ban is not extended by the Disciplinary Committee, then the defender would be eligible to face Real Madrid on April 27.

APRIL 15 • ROTOWIRE

Assists in Sunday's win Zubeldia assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Sunday's 2-1 victory over Mallorca. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 61st minute.

Impact Zubeldia assisted Takefusa Kubo's goal in the 38th minute Sunday, his second assist of the season and his first since Dec. 2. It came on the only chance he created in the match and he added one tackle and two clearances before being subbed off in the 64th minute for Jon Pacheco. He also picked up his ninth league booking of the season, which puts him one away from another suspension.

FEBRUARY 19 • ROTOWIRE

Earns first assist of season Zubeldia assisted once to go with one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Osasuna.

Impact Zubeldia earned his first assist of the season on Saturday, finding Umar Sadiq in the 41st minute to equalize the game. This was a rare assist for the defender, as he only registered one all of last season. He was also decent in the defense, notching three tackles and three interceptions.

DECEMBER 3, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Eligible after suspension Zubeldia is an option for the Nov. 26 match against Sevilla after serving his one-match suspension.

Impact Zubeldia is back in contention for Sociedad after serving his one-match suspension due to picking up five yellow cards. This will be a huge boost back into the squad for the club, as the defender is a regular starter for the team, starting in all but one match before his ban. With Zubeldia most likely returning to the starting XI for their next contest, expect Aritz Elustondo or Hamari Traore to return to the bench.

NOVEMBER 13, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Set to serve suspension Zubeldia is set to serve a one-match suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season against Barcelona.

Impact Zubeldia will not be an option for Saturday's match against Almeria after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season. The defender was already lucky not to miss the contest against Barcelona after his Yellow card against Rayo was overturned, resulting in him only having four yellow cards before ultimately gaining another in the same match he was almost suspended for. His next match available will be against Sevilla after the international break.

NOVEMBER 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Suspension overturned Zubeldia will be eligible to play in Saturday's match against Barcelona after his yellow card versus Rayo Vallencano was overturned by La Liga, according to Real Sociedad.

Impact Zubeldia will avoid a one-match suspension after having his yellow card overturned by the La Liga rules committee. This is a lucky break for Sociedad, as they will now have their regular starting central defender back in the lineup for a tough match against Barcelona. The defender should be in the starting XI on Saturday, as he has started in each of the club's last six matches.

OCTOBER 31, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Suspended for next match Zubeldia will be suspended for Saturday's match against Barcelona after receiving his fifth yellow card of the season versus Rayo Vallecano.

Impact Zubeldia will be sidelined for his first match of the season after picking up his fifth yellow card and earning a suspension. Unfortunately, his absence will affect the squad heading into an important contest, as he has been a regular starter this campaign, so expect Aritz Elustondo or Jon Pacheco to start in the center of the defense. Zubeldia will next be available in the La Liga on Nov. 11 for their match against Almeria.

OCTOBER 30, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Wins three tackles Zubeldia recorded four tackles (three won) and two clearances in Wednesday's 1-1 draw against Inter Milan. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 95th minute.

Impact Zubeldia ups his average tackles per match to 2.5 after logging in four on Wednesday. He has also been averaging about 2.3 clearances per game with 15 in the last six games.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Creates chance in season finale Zubeldia made a block, three clearances and created a chance in Sunday's 2-1 victory against Sevilla. He also won one of one tackles in the match.

Impact Zubeldia returned to a more consistent starting role in central defense this season with a goal, an assist and nine clean sheets in 31 La Liga appearances (29 starts) after a couple of spottier campaigns the last two years. The 26-year-old just signed a six-year contract extension with Sociedad in May, and he'll be playing Champions League football with the club next season.

JUNE 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Returning from suspension Zubeldia will be eligible to feature in Sunday's clash against Atletico Madrid after serving a one-game suspension.

Impact Zubeldia missed Tuesday's win over Almeria while suspended for yellow card accumulation, but he'll be available to return to face Atletico at the weekend and is likely to be back in the XI in central defense.

MAY 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Set for one-match ban Zubeldia was handed his 10th yellow card of the season and will be ineligible to play against Almeria on Tuesday.

Impact Zubeldia has just one shot on target this season, so fantasy players shouldn't be expecting him to offer much in the way of offensive upside. Still, in formats that value defensive stats, Zubeldia could offer decent value given his 11 clearances, five tackles (two won) and three interceptions in his last five contests.

MAY 22, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Starting versus GIrona Zubeldia (hip) is in the XI to face Girona Saturday.

Impact Zubeldia came off injured in the previous game but has managed to recover during the week and will continue starting. He has notched four tackles (one won), two interceptions, nine clearances, and three blocks in the last five matches, contributing to two clean sheets.

MAY 13, 2023 • ROTOWIRE