MADRID, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona faces a difficult away test on Sunday when it visits an improving Real Sociedad at the Anoeta Stadium.
Barcelona travels after winning the Spanish Super Cup last weekend and then earning a 2-0 win away to Racing Santander in the Copa del Rey fourth round on Thursday.
The tight schedule has limited recovery time, and Raphinha is a doubt after he did not train with the rest of the squad on Saturday morning.
Two players who will not travel to San Sebastian are goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who is close to joining Girona on loan, and young attacking midfielder Pedro "Dro" Fernandez, who could leave in the January transfer window after reports this week that clubs in England and Germany are willing to pay his 6-million-euro release clause.
Hansi Flick is expected to have Robert Lewandowski, Pedri, Fermin Lopez and Frenkie de Jong fresh after they were used as second-half substitutes in Santander, while Joao Cancelo is still waiting to make his debut after watching Thursday's win from the bench.
Real Sociedad also reached the Copa del Rey quarterfinals in midweek, beating Osasuna on penalties. The match was played at home on Tuesday, giving Pellegrino Matarazzo's side more recovery time.
Matarazzo has improved results since replacing Sergio Fernandez, starting with a home draw against Atletico Madrid, a win away to Getafe and Tuesday's cup success.
Benat Turrientes has impressed in central midfield, while Goncalo Guedes is set to start on Sunday. One question is whether Igor Zubeldia keeps his place in central defense ahead of Jon Martin.
Barcelona has a good record in San Sebastian, but Real Sociedad won the corresponding fixture last season and another victory would open up the La Liga title race. ■
