Real Sociedad forward Guedes will use the September international break for a targeted 10-day training programme after failing to score or provide an assist in his first seven appearances of the season.
The Portugal international has had little opportunity to complete a normal pre-season because of his involvement at the World Cup and surgery during the summer. With Guedes not selected for Portugal’s squad during the current break, Real Sociedad plan to put him through what Mundo Deportivo described as an “accelerated personalized mini pre-season” at the Zubieta training ground.
Guedes was part of Portugal’s World Cup squad, although he did not play during the tournament. He continued training with the national team until Portugal were eliminated by Spain in the last 16 on July 6, delaying his holiday and recovery period.
His return to Real Sociedad was followed by another interruption. In early August, as he was beginning to resume work at Zubieta, Guedes underwent surgery for a non-football-related issue. The club did not disclose further details about the procedure.
As a result, he missed all of Real Sociedad’s pre-season friendlies and had no time to train fully with his team-mates or build up his match fitness. He was also unavailable for the opening LaLiga fixture against Real Betis.
Coach Pellegrino Matarazzo therefore introduced him gradually. Guedes came off the bench in each of the first three matches in which he was available, with his playing time increased step by step.
He has since started three of Real Sociedad’s past four LaLiga games, against Elche, Atletico Madrid and Valencia. However, Mundo Deportivo reported that his performances suggest he is still short of the physical condition and match rhythm required to pose a regular threat inside the opposition penalty area.
The difference from last season is marked. Guedes scored nine goals and registered eight assists for Real Sociedad in the previous campaign, contributing directly to 17 goals. After seven appearances this season, he has yet to score or assist.
His style depends heavily on explosive movement, changes of pace and acceleration in one-on-one situations, making a full pre-season particularly important. The lack of preparation has affected his impact in the final third.
The next opportunity to rebuild his sharpness comes on Friday, when Real Sociedad face Athletic Bilbao. Mundo Deportivo said the fixture would give Guedes the chance to increase his intensity and playing time without the pressure of league points as he attempts to end his goal drought.
A goal in that match could also help restore his confidence. Real Sociedad are hoping the international break will allow the Portuguese attacker to return quickly to the level he reached last season, when he recorded nine goals and eight assists.