Real Sociedad face a major challenge ahead of their crucial La Liga showdown with Real Madrid.

Star left-back Kieran Tierney, on loan from Arsenal, has been sidelined with an adductor muscle injury sustained during training.

This setback leaves Sociedad scrambling to find a replacement ahead of the highly anticipated match.

Real Sociedad's Kieran Tierney sits on the pitch next to Mikel Oyarzabal during the Spanish league football match between Real Sociedad and Real Betis at the Anoeta stadium in San Sebastian on December 17, 2023. (Photo by ANDER GILLENEA/AFP via Getty Images)
Real Sociedad’s Kieran Tierney sits on the pitch next to Mikel Oyarzabal during the Spanish league football match between Real Sociedad and Real Betis at the Anoeta stadium in San Sebastian on December 17, 2023. (Photo by ANDER GILLENEA/AFP via Getty Images)

Real Sociedad has suffered a blow ahead of their crucial La Liga match against Real Madrid, with left-back Kieran Tierney ruled out due to injury. The Scottish defender, on loan from Arsenal, sustained an adductor muscle injury during Wednesday’s training session.

Sociedad’s official statement confirms that Tierney has started physiotherapy, but his return date remains uncertain. The club states that his recovery will “depend on the characteristics of the injury and the clinical evolution.”

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This untimely injury means Tierney will miss Friday’s high-stakes fixture against Real Madrid at Anoeta. There’s also the possibility he could be sidelined for additional upcoming matches.

In Tierney’s absence, Javi Galán is expected to step into the left-back role against Real Madrid.

Tierney has already missed 19 games this season due to two hamstring injuries.

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