Arsen Zakharyan, the Russian midfielder for Real Sociedad, sustained an injury during the 26th round clash with Villarreal and left the pitch for treatment.
He had been in the starting lineup when, in a notable moment around the 71st minute, a collision with Villarreal defender Yerson Camara sent him to the grass and injured his right hand. Medical staff accompanied him off the field, and Sheraldo Becker entered to continue the match in his stead. The game eventually finished with Real Sociedad falling 1–3 to Villarreal.
Real Sociedad announced on August 19, 2023, that Zakharyan had joined the club from Dynamo Moscow. His contract extends through June 2029. The debut for Real Sociedad came in the 75th minute of a match against Las Palmas on August 25. Across La Liga, he appeared in 19 league fixtures for the Basque side and contributed one assist, while never playing a full 90 minutes in any single match.
On October 24, Zakharyan appeared in his Champions League debut for Real Sociedad, coming on as a substitute in the 76th minute of the match against Benfica when the score was 1–0 in favor of the visitors. The appearance marked another step in his integration with the Spanish club and its European campaign, underlining the club’s confidence in his development amid a competitive schedule.
Earlier in the campaign, the transfer had faced expectations and disappointment among supporters, but the club’s plan for his development remained clear. The move signified Real Sociedad’s intent to bolster its squad with a young, technically skilled midfielder ready to contribute across domestic and European competitions. Observers noted the strategic value of integrating a player with his background and potential into a league renowned for demanding tactical versatility and rapid adaptation. The club’s medical staff documented the injury incident during the Villarreal match and set forth a recovery plan aimed at returning him to play without rushing the process. The season’s progression continued to hinge on his gradual acclimation to La Liga’s pace and the Champions League’s higher tempo, underscoring the balancing act Real Sociedad pursues between development and competitiveness. The broader narrative highlights Zakharyan’s ongoing evolution as a key piece in the squad’s long-term strategy and his role as a bridge between Russian football roots and Spanish top-flight football, as reported in multiple club communications and match reports this year.