Real Sociedade face Real Madrid on Friday night at Anoeta, and it looks like one of their stars is coming back from injury and very motivated. Takefusa Kubo has been in and out of the side in recent weeks, including spending two games on the bench entirely due to muscle discomfort, but is due to start against his former club.
The 22-year-old has struggled to replicate his form from the first half of the season, partly due to these physical issues but also fatigue after traveling for the Asian Cup in January and February. Brand point out that he has just one goal in his last 11 appearances, dating back to before his time with Japan, and has not scored in Donostia-San Sebastian for seven months.
Carlo Ancelotti is set to mix up his pack against Real Sociedad on Friday.
Kepa, Fran Garcia, Eder Militao, Lucas Vazquez, Dani Ceballos, Brahim, Arda Guler and Joselu are all set to start, according to Diario AS.#RealMadrid #Real society pic.twitter.com/FJysCuGw3B
— Football Spain (@footballespana_) April 23, 2024
While his work is still creative, there is no doubt that there has been a dip in recent months. Real Sociedade itself is no stranger to dips in February and March, but there is no doubt that Kubo has had a visible impact on them. In the last six games, he will try to surpass his total of nine goals from last season, which is two away from today.
Kubo's first 45 minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu are among the best in La Liga this season, and he may have gone against a rotated Real Madrid ahead of their Champions League clash with Bayern Munich next week. Ace for AS DiaryKepa Arrizabalaga, Fran Garcia, Eder Militao, Lucas Vazquez, Dani Ceballos, Brahim Diaz, Arda Guler and Joselu Mato are all in line for starts in Gipuzkoa.
