Opponent watch: Real Sociedad talisman ruled out of Barcelona encounter

Barcelona engraved their name on the 2022/23 La Liga trophy last weekend with a stunning 4-2 win over Espanyol. With the three points in the derby, the Blaugrana took a mathematically unassailable lead and sealed their biggest scalp of the season.

Sergio Busquets will receive the trophy on Saturday night from Luis Rubiales, President of RFEF, after the game against Real Sociedad. With it being Barcelona’s most special night in front of their supporters, it would only be fitting for them to lift the trophy after a win over the Basque side.

Mundo Deportivo bring to the fore important news from Real Sociedad’s camp that could have a significant implication on the result at Spotify Camp Nou.

The Spanish outlet report that Imanol Alguacil’s star player David Silva will be unavailable for the clash against the champions. The Spanish legend is not at 100% physically and has thus been omitted from the squad travelling to Catalonia.

Sociedad claimed that Silva has suffered an overload and thus did not train with the team on Thursday. He was expected to return for Friday’s training and make the squad to face Barcelona but the expectation was a far stretch.

Despite being 37 years old, Silva continues to be an important player for Imanol Alguacil’s side. The former Man City ace has played 33 times in all competitions this term, scoring three goals and setting up seven more.

Real Sociedad currently sit in fourth place with 62 points in 34 games. If they lose to Barcelona and Villarreal win their match against Girona, the Yellow Submarines would be within two points of Alguacil’s side. Thus, it is understandable why Silva’s absence is seen as such a big setback.

Xavi Hernandez, for his part, is expected to give more playing time to some of the youngsters and lesser-featured names on the night. That does not, however, go to say that the Catalans will not be gunning for a win against Real Sociedad.