Real Sociedad optimistic ahead of Paris trip

Real Sociedad travel to play Paris Saint Germain for the first leg of their last-16 tie in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, plagued by

an injury crisis, but with the club's confidence high.

Japanese forward Take Kubo signed a new contract on Monday and the player immediately stated that he didn't want the week's news to be his new deal, but "our win in Paris."

The confidence was also reflected by club president, Jokin Aperribay, who said the team from San Sebastian were not going to Paris to go sightseeing.

"I've got a good feeling about this game and about the month. We are in the Champions League to try and win it, not for a stroll. We didn't qualify for this season's Champions League thinking about next season. We are thinking about this season," said Aperribay.

However, the Basque outfit travel to Paris after a 1-0 defeat at home to Osasuna in La Liga last weekend, which highlighted their problems in front of goal.

The goal drought has coincided with a knee injury that has kept Mikel Oyarzabal out of action and the captain is a major doubt on Wednesday.

Coach Imanol Alguacil also has defenders Kieren Tierney, Alvaro Odriozola, Aritz Elustondo and Aihen Munoz out for the game, while new signing Sheraldo Becker has a muscle problem and striker Carlos Fernandez will miss most of the season after a knee operation.

Ander Barrenetxea, Brais Mendez and French-born central defenders Robin le Normand, all started Saturday's game on the subs' bench and are all expected to start.

Around 2,000 fans will travel from San Sebastian to Paris, with the club asking them to take precautions to avoid problems with the PSG ultras, and setting up a special zone for supporters just three metro stops from the Parque de los Principes.