El Betis Provides Medical Update on Giovani Lo Celso Following Injury

Real Betis released a highly anticipated medical report on Tuesday regarding Giovani Lo Celso, following the injury he sustained on January 22 during the team’s UEFA Europa League match against PAOK in Greece. After undergoing various medical examinations, the club’s medical staff diagnosed the Argentine player with a moderate proximal myotendinous injury to the rectus femoris of his right thigh.

While Betis has not specified an exact timeline for Lo Celso’s recovery, he is not expected to return to action for at least one and a half to two months. This significant muscular issue arose immediately upon entering the pitch in Thessaloniki and has subsequently altered the priorities of the club’s Sporting Directorate and head coach, Manuel Pellegrini, in the recent winter transfer window, which closed last night.

Initially, Betis aimed to strengthen their attacking options to enhance the alternatives available to Cucho Hernández. However, with Isco Alarcón sidelined for a minimum of an additional month and a half, coupled with Lo Celso’s injury, the club’s focus has shifted toward acquiring a player in the creative midfield role. The pursuit of a forward has been placed on hold, pending the departure of an existing player to free up a roster spot and create sufficient salary cap space for new signings.

There is optimism that Lo Celso will return to the pitch in time for the final stretch of the season. Depending on the exact date of his comeback, he could contribute for approximately one and a half to two months, aiming to assist Betis in achieving their objectives while also striving to earn a spot on Argentine national coach Lionel Scaloni’s roster for the upcoming World Cup next summer.