Real Sociedad Star Denied UK Entry, Missing Manchester United Europa League Clash
A Real Sociedad midfielder has been ruled out of their crucial Europa League fixture against Manchester United after UK authorities denied him entry into the country.
Real Sociedad and Manchester United are set to face off in tonight’s Europa League last-16 second-leg match at Old Trafford, with the tie delicately balanced following last week’s 1-1 draw in Spain. Joshua Zirkzee had put United ahead before Mikel Oyarzabal converted from the penalty spot to level the contest.
However, Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil has suffered a significant setback in his preparations as Russian midfielder Arsen Zakharyan has been unable to join the squad in Manchester.
Visa Issues Force Last-Minute Travel Complications
According to Spanish publication El Diario Vasco, Zakharyan was denied a visa by UK government officials, preventing him from participating in the crucial European fixture. The situation led to a complicated travel scenario:
- Zakharyan traveled to Paris on Wednesday with teammate Hamari Traore
- The Russian midfielder was seeking a last-minute work permit
- While Traore received UK visa approval and continued to Manchester
- Zakharyan was forced to return to Spain without joining the squad
The player’s representatives confirmed his unavailability for the Manchester United match but assured fans: “The important matches are coming up, and Arsen will be available for the next match against Rayo Vallecano.”
The 21-year-old attacking midfielder has had limited playing time this season due to injuries, appearing in just four matches across all competitions. Despite this, he has shown promising form recently, contributing a goal and an assist in his last two appearances, including in Sociedad’s Europa League knockout victory against Midtjylland.
This absence represents a blow to Sociedad’s creative options as they attempt to progress to the next round of European competition.
Meanwhile, Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim faces his own selection challenges for the return leg. Several key players remain unavailable:
| Manchester United Absences | Status |
|---|---|
| Mason Mount | Injured – “too soon” for return |
| Leny Yoro | Short-term injury, missing this game and weekend |
| Harry Maguire | Unavailable against Sociedad, potential return vs Leicester |
There is positive news for United fans, however, as Amorim confirmed midfielder Manuel Ugarte has returned to the squad for this European encounter.
“Manu [Ugarte] is in the squad,” Amorim stated in his pre-match press conference. Regarding defender Yoro, he clarified: “No, no [Yoro’s absence] is not long term. Leny cannot play this game and the other game [Leicester].”
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