ESTEBAN GRANERO, the new Real Sociedad signing, sats his side can shrug off the loss of their key players Carlos Vela and Antoine Griezmann to eliminate Aberdeen from Europe.

The Basque side are still adjusting to the £28.5m sale of the French forward Griezmann, while the former Arsenal striker Vela is almost certainly out of tomorrow's first leg in San Sebastian with an ankle injury. Sociedad, though, secured the services of the former Queens Park Rangers midfielder Granero this week, despite suffering an injury hit campaign when he made just four appearances last season.

"We have to view the game against Aberdeen as the most important match of the season," said Granero. "That's the only way we can take this game. It is so important to us.

"Yes, we will be without some important players, but we think the quality in the squad should be good enough.

"I felt the warmth of the fans last season and as soon as I knew Sociedad wanted to sign me again, there was only one place I was going.

"Aberdeen will be a tough game - we expect a physical encounter against the Scots.

"But it would be a perfect way for me to reintroduce myself to the fans by taking a big win back to the second leg in Scotland."