Pellegrini Optimistic as Injured Players Return Before Key Match

As the winter transfer window closes tonight, Manuel Pellegrini, the head coach of Real Betis, is also keeping a close eye on the recovery of seven players sidelined due to injury who have not participated in recent matches.

In this regard, he received positive news today. Junior Firpo and Rodrigo Riquelme have partially participated in a closed training session held this morning at the Ciudad Deportiva Luis del Sol, as reported by ABC. Alongside them, Cucho Hernández, who has been training individually, is expected to rejoin the group in the coming days. All three players are anticipated to be key reinforcements for the coaching staff in the upcoming weeks, pending their fitness for Thursday’s match.

The Colombian forward, as he revealed a few days ago, is working hard to be ready for the fixture against Atlético, where Pellegrini will have Natan available again after his suspension against Valencia. Following that, the team will also look to integrate Álvaro Fidalgo, their first winter signing, who is traveling from Mexico, as well as the recovering Bellerín. However, it will take a bit more time before Sofyan Amrabat, Isco Alarcón, and Giovani Lo Celso are ready to return.

After today’s closed training session, Betis will practice again on Tuesday and Wednesday, just before determining which players are fit for the Copa del Rey clash against Simeone’s side on Thursday. This match will mark the first ‘final’ for the Verdiblancos, who aim to progress further in all three competitions they are currently involved in.