Betis' Cup preparations hit by triple injury blow as Cucho, Junior, and Ortiz sit out training

Real Betis returned to training on Monday with a growing injury crisis as they prepare for their crucial Copa del Rey last-16 tie against Elche.

The Verdiblancos, who were given Sunday off by Manuel Pellegrini following their trip to Carlos Tartiere to face Oviedo, found themselves with several key players missing from the session.

Injury woes pile up

The injury list makes for proper grim reading for Betis supporters:

Cucho Hernández and Junior Firpo both returned from the Oviedo match carrying knocks
Ricardo Ortiz trained alone in the gym due to muscle overload issues
These three join the already sidelined Isco through injury
Selim Amrabat and Abde are away on AFCON duty

It’s not all doom and gloom though. Cédric Bakambu, who was left out of Friday’s squad to improve his fitness after returning from international duty, trained with the group. With Cucho’s injury, the Congolese striker looks nailed on for a starting berth in the upcoming fixtures.

Copa homecoming

Wednesday’s cup tie at La Cartuja represents Betis’ first home Copa del Rey match in nearly three years - a proper Bobby Dazzler for the fans who’ve been starved of knockout football on home soil.

Their last home cup game ended in heartbreak during the 2022-23 season when they were defending their title. Osasuna equalized in the 91st minute, forced extra time, and eventually knocked Betis out on penalties after another equalizer in the additional period.

Since that gutting defeat, all of Pellegrini’s cup adventures have been on the road.

Ticket push

The club is going all out to create a proper atmosphere at La Cartuja:

Extended the season ticket activation deadline to 5pm Monday
Each member can purchase up to four additional tickets
Adult tickets priced at €10, children’s tickets at €5

With mounting injuries, Betis will need every advantage they can get as they look to progress to the quarter-finals.