Real Sociedad has updated stakeholders on Arsen Zakharyan’s health status, with club communications confirming the Russian midfielder is currently sidelined by illness but progressing toward a return. The club’s spokesman conveyed the latest to Sports Express, noting that Zakharyan trained with the squad today but will miss the upcoming match against Valencia. The message remains cautiously optimistic, with hopes pinned on his availability for the weekend fixture against Athletic Bilbao, a clash that could mark his first competitive appearance after a period of recovery. This update underscores the careful approach taken by the medical and coaching staff, prioritizing the player’s health while managing first-team responsibilities. (Source: Sports Express)
Earlier in the week, the club disclosed that Zakharyan tested positive for coronavirus on September 25, which caused him to miss the September 24 match against Getafe. The confirmation of the diagnosis helped explain his absence, and the organization emphasized that the health and safety of the player and the squad remain the top priority during the infection period. (Source: Club Communications)
Augmenting the club’s official timeline, Real Sociedad had announced the transfer of Arsen Zakharyan from Dynamo Moscow on August 19, with a contract set to run through June 2029. The midfielder made his competitive debut for the Basque club in the 75th minute of the match against Las Palmas on August 25. Across his initial La Liga outings, Zakharyan appeared as a substitute in three games but did not register a goal. His early involvement reflected the staff’s plan to integrate him gradually into top-tier football while evaluating his adaptation to Spanish football and the tactical demands of the league. As of those early appearances, he had not yet featured in the Champions League, with the coaching team prioritizing acclimation to domestic competition and league rhythm. (Source: Club Announcements)
Following six rounds of the Spanish Championship, Real Sociedad sat in eighth place on the table, a position that the club aimed to improve as the season progressed. The squad’s early results showcased the depth of talent available to the manager, with Zakharyan’s arrival adding competition and potential for rotation in midfield roles. The operational emphasis remained on maintaining form and continuity, even as the medical staff navigated the challenges of injuries, illness, and player integration. (Source: Official League Standings)
In a lighter note tied to his past, Zakharyan’s supporters recall his CSKA Moscow days, where he developed into a much-followed talent. The current chapter in Spain has brought a different language and footballing culture into his routine, with the Real Sociedad environment presenting both opportunities and challenges as he acclimates to a new country and league. The coaching staff has expressed a willingness to support his language and cultural adaptation, recognizing that fluency and comfort off the pitch often translate into on-pitch confidence and performance. (Source: Club History Summaries)