According to Mundo Deportivo, Real Sociedad forward Guedes has had a slow start to the season, failing to score or assist in the seven matches he has played so far. Due to the World Cup and summer surgery, he had almost no normal pre-season preparation. He will now use the September international break for a targeted "mini pre-season."
This summer, Guedes participated in the World Cup with the Portuguese national team. Although he did not receive any playing time throughout the tournament, he trained with the team until Portugal was eliminated by Spain in the World Cup Round of 16 on July 6. This significantly delayed his holiday and recovery period.
Upon returning to Real Sociedad, Guedes faced another setback. In early August, just as he was resuming training at the Zubieta training ground, he underwent surgery for a non-football-related issue, the specifics of which the club did not disclose.
This surgery prevented Guedes from completing normal pre-season preparation. He did not participate in any pre-season friendlies, nor did he have time to train with the team or build match fitness. He subsequently missed the first round of the new LaLiga season against Real Betis.
As a result, Real Sociedad coach Pellegrino Matarazzo could only gradually increase Guedes' playing time. In the first three matches he was available for, he came off the bench in all of them, slowly finding his rhythm with limited minutes.
In the last four LaLiga matches, Guedes started in three of them, facing Elche, Atlético Madrid, and Valencia. However, Mundo Deportivo believes that based on his on-field performance, he still lacks sufficient match rhythm and physical condition and has not yet returned to a level where he can consistently threaten the opposition's penalty area.
The statistical contrast is stark. Last season, Guedes contributed 9 goals and 8 assists for Real Sociedad, directly involved in 17 goals. This season, after 7 appearances, his tally remains at 0 goals and 0 assists.
For an attacker who relies heavily on explosive power, changes of pace, and one-on-one acceleration, the lack of complete pre-season physical preparation has directly impacted Guedes' performance in the attacking third.
Guedes was not called up to the Portuguese national team for the September international break. He will therefore remain at the Zubieta training ground for approximately 10 days of targeted training. Mundo Deportivo described this period as an "accelerated personalized mini pre-season," aimed at improving his physical condition and regaining his attacking explosiveness and sharpness.
Guedes' first major test after regaining fitness will come this Friday when Real Sociedad faces Athletic Bilbao. The report suggests that without the pressure of league points, this match will allow Guedes to build match intensity and playing time while seeking an opportunity to break his goal drought.
For Guedes, scoring again in this match would also help restore his confidence. Real Sociedad hopes to use this international break to help the Portuguese attacker quickly return to the form he displayed last season, when he contributed 9 goals and 8 assists.
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