Real Sociedad star, Arsen Zakharyan, will miss the Europa League clash against Manchester United after he was denied a working visa to enter the UK.
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Sociedad suffer visa setbackRussian international Zakharyan barred from entering UKHas flown back to Spain after visa denialFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The second-leg clash at Old Trafford comes after a 1-1 draw in San Sebastian, leaving the tie finely balanced. Joshua Zirkzee put United ahead in the second half of the first leg, but Mikel Oyarzabal equalised from the penalty spot following a VAR review on a Bruno Fernandes handball.
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According to reports from , the Russian midfielder traveled to Paris on Wednesday alongside teammate Hamari Traore, hoping to receive a last-minute work permit. Unlike Traore, who was granted approval and travelled to Manchester on Wednesday night, Zakharyan was forced to remain in Paris, unable to join his teammates. It is alleged that the player has returned to Spain after all efforts went in vain.
WHAT HAS BEEN SAID
Despite the setback, Zakharyan’s representatives expressed gratitude to Sociedad for their efforts in trying to facilitate his travel and confirmed that the midfielder remains firmly in the manager's plans. "The important matches are coming up, and Arsen will be available for the next match against Rayo Vallecano," they told El Diario Vasco.
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While Zakharyan’s absence is a setback, Real Sociedad will be boosted by the return of their star midfielder, Martin Zubimendi, who missed the first leg due to illness. Meanwhile, Ruben Amorim will be able to count on Manuel Ugarte, who is expected to return to bolster United’s midfield. The pressure is immense on Amorim to clinch a victory as a defeat will bring down the curtains on the potential of securing any silverware in May, as they have already been ousted from domestic cup competitions and are 14th in the Premier League standings.