In the latest update from Sports24 citing the club’s press service, Spanish Real Sociedad midfielder Arsen Zakharyan has returned to Russia after the team entered a holiday break. The announcement notes that the squad is taking its pause, and Zakharyan has traveled home. His status will be clarified after the pause ends and the players reconvene for medical testing on December 29 in Spain, as part of the club’s routine return-to-play protocol.
Arsen Zakharyan joined Real Sociedad from Dynamo Moscow in August on a six-year contract, with a transfer fee reported at 13 million euros. He made his debut for the Spanish club in a match against Las Palmas on August 25. The season has presented health challenges for the midfielder, including a bout with coronavirus, which limited his exposure. Across the current campaign, he has appeared in 11 games and contributed one assist, showcasing his creative abilities amid a demanding schedule.
Real Sociedad currently sits sixth in La Liga with 31 points. Looking ahead, the next league round is scheduled for January 2, when Zakharyan and his teammates will host Alaves in a home fixture, a test of their form as they push for higher standings as the season resumes.
Prior to these developments, Zakharyan had gained international attention for his performances in European competition, notably as Real Sociedad faced a significant opponent in the 1/8 finals of the Champions League. The French- and European-caliber matchups have kept the spotlight on the young midfielder as he continues to adapt to a new league and country, while balancing health and match readiness with the club’s strategic plans for the remainder of the season.
Source: club press service and Sports24 reporting on the team’s travel and medical schedule.