Positive Updates for Betis Amid Injury Struggles

omidbasir- Despite the significant injury issues plaguing his squad, Manuel Pellegrini has received two encouraging updates in recent hours. The first is that, barring any unforeseen setbacks, Aitor Ruibal is expected to be available for tomorrow’s UEFA Europa League match against Feyenoord. In this crucial game, Real Betis aims to maintain its position in the top eight and secure direct entry into the Round of 16, thus avoiding the playoff round.

The second piece of good news is that Cucho Hernández is making strides towards his return. The Colombian forward sustained an injury during his team’s visit to Carlos Tartiere in Oviedo on January 10. After undergoing medical evaluations, he was diagnosed with a posterolateral myofascial injury to his left rectus femoris, with an estimated recovery time of three to four weeks. However, upon learning the draw for the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey, he set his sights on returning for the match against Atlético de Madrid at La Cartuja.

In this regard, Hernández is progressing with the goal of being fit for next Thursday’s cup clash, as evidenced by photographs he shared on social media, showing him training on the pitch. He conducted individualized training yesterday at the Ciudad Deportiva Luis del Sol while awaiting confirmation on his readiness for the upcoming match. His participation in the La Liga fixture on Sunday against Valencia appears more uncertain, though it will ultimately depend on the progression of his recovery in the coming days and the risks Betis is willing to take.

Cucho has been one of the most pivotal players for Betis this season, having featured in 23 official matches across La Liga, Copa del Rey, and UEFA Europa League, accumulating 1,854 minutes of play, scoring 10 goals (eight in La Liga), and providing three assists. In the four matches he has missed due to injury, Betis managed to secure victories against Elche in the Copa and Villarreal in La Liga, but suffered defeats against PAOK in the Europa League and Alavés in domestic competition. The coaching staff is exploring all options to have him available for the crucial encounter against Atlético de Madrid, which is a do-or-die situation in the knockout tournament.