Real Sociedad keeper out for 3 months

MALLORCA, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 01: Claudio Andres Bravo of Real Sociedad in action during the La Liga match between RCD Mallorca and Real Sociedad de Futbol at Iberostar Stadium on September 1, 2012 in Mallorca, Spain.

Madrid, Sep 28 – Real Sociedad were dealt a blow to their hopes for the season when it was revealed that first choice goalkeeper Claudio Bravo will be out of action for at least three months after breaking his arm in a training incident.

The Chilean international needed an operation to set the bone and will be unable to play until the start of 2013 at the earliest, reports Xinhua.

Bravo’s injury Thursday opens the door for substitute Enaut Zubikarai to get his opportunity. Zubikarai has been Bravo’s substitute for the past four seasons and has had limited chances.

Last season saw the 28-year-old make just one appearance in the Spanish Primera Liga and four in the Copa del Rey, while the previous season saw him play just two matches in the Cup.

By coincidence, Real Sociedad’s rivals for this weekend, Athletic Club Bilbao will play the derby between the two Basque sides without their first choice goalkeeper, Gorka Iraizoz, who has a knee injury.

Gorka will be replaced by Raul Fernandez, who was in the side that drew 0-0 to Malaga last Sunday.