Socceroos: Goalkeeper Mat Ryan to miss start of Spanish season after injuring his knee

Mat Ryan’s move to Real Sociedad hasn’t started well, with the Socceroos goalkeeper suffering a knee injury at training.

Real Sociedad and Socceroos goalkeeper Mat Ryan has suffered a knee injury. Picture Gary Ramage

Socceroo Mat Ryan’s hopes of starting the Spanish season as his new club Real Sociedad’s first-choice goalkeeper have been shattered by a knee injury.

Ryan, who joined the Spanish club earlier this month from English Premier League club Brighton and following a loan spell at Arsenal, twisted his knee at training and will reportedly require surgery which could sideline him for up to six weeks.

It not only means Ryan will miss the start of Real Sociedad’s La Liga campaign, with the 29-year-old gloveman also facing a race against time to be fit for Socceroos’ World Cup qualifying matches in September.

Real Sociedad open their Spanish season on August 15 against Barcelona, who are reportedly interested in signing Ryan’s main rival for Sociedad’s goalkeeping spot, 26-year-old Alex Remiro.

Socceroos goalkeeper Mat Ryan is injured. Picture: FFA/Tristan Furney

At the time of his move to Sociedad, Ryan, who had a previous spell in Spain with Valencia, said: “I have come here to play and I think that is what the club wants and they want me to show what I have.

“I want to start, fight and compete. I believe that through hard work I can help the team.

“During my time at Valencia, there was a lot of instability around the club but I used my experiences there to improve and grow, and that is what a continue to do in the English Premier League.

“Now I’m back here and I’m ready to give everything I have and help the team.”