Real Sociedad have confirmed that Arsen Zakharyan is not injured, despite the Russian midfielder spending a third consecutive match on the substitutes’ bench.
The club’s press attache, Yon Ander Munduate, said Zakharyan’s omission was a selection decision rather than the result of a fitness problem. He also confirmed that the 23-year-old would be released for Russia’s upcoming international friendlies if the national team coach decides to select him.
Munduate made the comments in an exclusive interview with online publication Euro-Football.Ru after Zakharyan again remained an unused substitute.
Asked whether the player was carrying an injury, Munduate said: “Arsen Zakharyan is not injured, he did not play because of that. Against Celta, Zakharyan warmed up with all the other players in the second half.”
Zakharyan has now been on the bench for three consecutive matches for Real Sociedad without making an appearance. His latest absence prompted questions over whether the midfielder had been left out as a disciplinary measure after previously expressing frustration at not being brought on.
Munduate rejected that suggestion and said the decision was based on competition within the squad.
“No, the coach spoke very well about him earlier. He has team-mates who are currently ahead of him,” he said.
The comments indicate that Zakharyan remains available for selection at Real Sociedad, but has not been preferred by the coaching staff in recent matches. The club did not suggest that his current situation was linked to any medical issue.
Zakharyan is included in Russia’s extended squad for the forthcoming friendly matches. Munduate was asked whether Real Sociedad would allow the player to join up with the national team if he was called into the final group.
“Of course, we will release him if the coach wants that,” Munduate said.
The midfielder has made only one appearance in the Spanish league this season. His limited involvement means he has spent the latest three matches watching from the substitutes’ bench, although he was involved in the warm-up during the second half against Celta.
Zakharyan joined Real Sociedad from Dynamo Moscow and is Russia’s representative at the Spanish club, but his current role has been restricted as other players have been selected ahead of him. The club’s explanation provides no indication of an injury or a suspension and instead points to the manager’s assessment of the available squad.
His possible involvement with Russia will therefore depend on the national team coach’s final decision, with Real Sociedad stating that they would release him if requested.