Arsen Zakharyan, Real Sociedad’s rising Russian midfielder, sustained a serious ankle injury during the 22nd round clash with Rayo Vallecano. The incident occurred in the middle of the first half when contact left him clutching his ankle, forcing the 20-year-old to leave the pitch. Within minutes, Brais Méndez, the 27-year-old Spaniard, stepped on to replace him in the 29th minute and the game continued with a reshuffled midfield that tested Real Sociedad’s depth early in the match.
The scoreline at halftime between Real Sociedad and Rayo Vallecano stood at 0-0, with both teams probing for gaps but failing to convert their chances before the break. Zakharyan`s absence created a noticeable gap as the visitors pushed to break the deadlock, highlighting the young playmaker’s growing influence since his arrival in Spain.
Since joining Real Sociedad from Dynamo Moscow in August 2023, Zakharyan has logged 23 appearances across all competitions, recording one assist and contributing to the squad’s creative play in several appearances. The transfer deal was valued at 13 million euros, reflecting high expectations for the young talent who had impressed in Russia prior to his move. His tenure in San Sebastián began with a debut against Las Palmas on August 25, and while he has shown flashes of his technical ability, this season has also been affected by health challenges that limited his playing time, including a bout with coronavirus that sidelined him for a portion of the campaign.
The broader context of Zakharyan’s career at Real Sociedad includes his adaptation to a new country and league, where the pace, physicality, and tactical demands differ from the Russian Premier League. Despite the hiccups, the club remained optimistic about his development, emphasizing his vision, ball control, and willingness to take decisive actions in the final third. Coaches have highlighted his ability to link play between the lines, create meaningful chances, and press aggressively when out of possession, all of which remain central to Real Sociedad’s strategic approach this season.
On the topic of Krylia Sovetov, former player Yuri Zhirkov recently discussed the conditions under which Krylia Sovetov could challenge for a championship, underscoring the importance of squad depth, funding, and consistent performance across the season. Zhirkov’s observations reflect a pragmatic view of what it takes for a club to compete at the highest level, noting that sustained success requires stability, strategic recruitment, and a clear plan to convert potential into tangible results over a full campaign.