Betis Faces Injury Challenges Ahead of Alavés Match

Real Betis will take the field tomorrow at Mendizorroza with a significant number of injury absences. Key players such as Bellerín, Ruibal, Junior, Amrabat, Isco, Lo Celso, Riquelme, and Cucho Hernández will miss the match against Deportivo Alavés due to injuries. However, coach Manuel Pellegrini has managed to recover two players who were previously doubtful due to various physical issues, and they will be included in the squad.

Antony, who did not travel to Greece due to a pubic issue, is now available for the upcoming game. Additionally, Ricardo Rodríguez, who returned ‘injured’ from the match against PAOK, has successfully completed individual training sessions and is cleared to participate. These two additions, along with the return of Bakambu, who was suspended during the Europa League, will provide the team with more options in this critical match as they strive for a top-five finish or to maintain their sixth place.

The verdiblancos arrive in Vitoria following an impressive league victory against Villarreal last weekend, despite suffering a defeat in Thessaloniki on Thursday in the continental tournament. Their upcoming clash against Feyenoord next Thursday has become crucial, as it will determine their chances of securing a place among the top eight in the Europa League standings and advancing directly to the Round of 16, thereby alleviating a demanding February schedule.

In the domestic league, Betis, with 32 points, enters matchday 21 just two points behind Espanyol in fifth place and nine points adrift of Atlético Madrid and Villarreal, who occupy the final positions for the next Champions League edition. To finalize their squad for the Alavés match, the coaching staff has opted to include players from the youth academy, calling up not only regulars Ángel Ortiz and Pablo García but also midfielder Corralejo.

Goalkeepers: Adrián, Valles, Pau

Defenders: Ortiz, Bartra, Diego Llorente, Natan, Valentín Gómez, Ricardo Rodríguez

Midfielders: Altimira, Marc Roca, Deossa, Fornals, Antony, Abde, Corralejo

Forwards: Chimy Ávila, Pablo García, Bakambu