Betis receive double fitness boost as Llorente and Junior return to training
Real Betis welcomed two key players back to training after the Christmas break, as they prepare for a tough start to 2026 with a trip to the Bernabéu.
Manuel Pellegrini’s squad reconvened after the festive period with some welcome additions, as both Diego Llorente and Junior Firpo rejoined group training following their injury layoffs.
Christmas break ends with positive news
The Verdiblancos are back at it after enjoying a few days off over Christmas, with all eyes now firmly fixed on their first fixture of 2026 - a proper Bobby Dazzler away at the Bernabéu on Sunday, January 4th.
While some managers might be pulling their hair out after the holiday period, Pellegrini has reason to be chuffed with the return of two defensive options who missed Betis’ final matches of 2025 through various physical problems.
Not all sunshine at Ciudad Deportiva
It’s not all good news in Seville, mind you. The squad is still dealing with several notable absences:
- Amrabat, Abde and Bakambu remain unavailable as they represent their countries at the Africa Cup of Nations
- Isco is sidelined after undergoing arthroscopic surgery in Madrid to clean cartilage in his right ankle
- Antony worked separately in the gym after playing through a minor muscle issue against Getafe
Lo Celso stays put… for now
Giovani Lo Celso participated fully in the session, despite being one of the names heavily linked with a January move. The Argentine midfielder’s potential departure now looks complicated, however, with Isco’s injury forcing Betis to prioritize other outgoings in the winter window.
Training schedule
The Verdiblancos will train behind closed doors tomorrow morning at 10:30 for their final session of the year. They’ll be back at it on New Year’s Day with an evening workout at 18:00, followed by another morning session on January 2nd.
Pellegrini will face the media on Saturday, January 3rd, ahead of their challenging trip to the capital.