Real Sociedad star ruled out of Man Utd clash after being 'denied entry into UK'
A Real Sociedad star has been ruled out of their Europa League game against Manchester United after being 'denied entry into the UK'.
Sociedad and Man United renew hostilities in tonight's last-16 second-leg clash at Old Trafford.
The tie is evenly balanced following last week's 1-1 draw in Spain.
Joshua Zirkzee opened the scoring before Mikel Oyarzabal equalised from the spot.
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Ahead of the match, Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil has been dealt a blow as he prepares his side for a huge fixture.
According to Spanish outlet El Diario Vasco, Arsen Zakharyan has not travelled with the squad after being denied a visa by the UK government.
It's claimed that the Russian travelled to Paris on Wednesday with teammate Hamari Traore, having been unable to fly with the rest of the squad.
He had hoped to receive a last-minute work permit that would allow him to feature against Man United.
But Zakharyan was forced to remain in Paris while Traore flew to Manchester after the UK granted his visa request.
The 21-year-old returned to Spain, with his representatives confirming he would be available for their next game.
"The important matches are coming up, and Arsen will be available for the next match against Rayo Vallecano." they told El Diario Vasco.
Zakharyan has only made four appearances across all competitions this season in an injury-hit campaign.
The attacking midfielder has recorded a goal and an assist in his last two outings, including in his side's Europa League knockout play-off win against Midtjylland.
Ruben Amorim is also without several players, including Mason Mount, Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire.
But Amorim confirmed Manuel Ugarte is in the squad to face Sociedad.
"Mason Mount is too soon," he said in his pre-match press conference. "Leny [Yoro] is out. Harry Maguire cannot play this one. I hope to have him for Sunday [against his former club Leicester City in the Premier League].
"Manu [Ugarte] is in the squad and I think there is no-one returning.
"No, no [Yoro's absence] is not long term. Leny cannot play this game and the other game [Leicester]."
Topics: Real Sociedad, Europa League, Football, Man Utd
Nasir Jabbar