Real Sociedad has been suspended for their upcoming trip to Barcelona.

Real Sociedad's hopes of qualifying for Europe have been boosted by a return to La Liga winning ways.

La Real advanced to eighth place in the domestic rankings with a timely 3-0 home win over relegation-threatened Leganes in San Sebastian.

Victory over Leganes relieved some of the pressure, as it was only their second league victory in the last six games, as Imanol Alguacil looks to find form at the right time in the season.

It also comes at an ideal time, as they prepare for a crucial week of action, hosting Real Madrid in a midweek Copa del Rey semi-final first leg before traveling to Barcelona for league action on March 2.

Alguacil has already suffered a setback in the Real Madrid game, with defender Nayef Auerd sidelined after being forced off injured against Leganes.

The Moroccan international will be tested in the coming days, but he is also a doubt to face Barcelona next weekend, according to preliminary reports.

One key player who will undoubtedly miss out against La Blaugrana is winger Takefusa Kubo, who received his fifth league booking of the season against Leganes.

However, the ban does not apply to Copa del Rey games, so he will be available against Real Madrid, which is a small comfort for Alguacil.

Kubo, a Japan international, has been a key player for Real Sociedad this season, and the 23-year-old winger scored his fifth league goal against Leganes.

His best league goal total came in 2022/23, with nine, and he can improve on that in the final weeks of the season.

Ander Barrenetxea is the favourite to replace Kubo in Catalonia's starting XI.

Club captain Mikel Oyarzabal, who started on the bench this weekend, could be ready to start both upcoming games.

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