Double injury blow for Betis as Junior and Cucho face lengthy spells out
Real Betis confirm Colombian striker Cucho Hernández and Dominican full-back Junior Firpo will miss several weeks after injuries sustained against Oviedo.
Betis have been dealt a proper hammer blow with confirmation that both Cucho Hernández and Junior Firpo face extended spells on the treatment table following injuries picked up during their weekend clash with Oviedo.
Injury Details
The Seville club’s medical staff have now completed their assessments after the pair underwent tests upon returning from the Carlos Tartiere. The diagnosis makes for grim reading for Manuel Pellegrini:
- Cucho Hernández: The Colombian forward has suffered a miofascial posterolateral injury to his left rectus anterior muscle
- Junior Firpo: The Dominican left-back has a miofascial injury to his left hamstring
While the club hasn’t provided specific recovery timelines, stating only that “in both cases, their return to the group will depend on their evolution,” sources suggest Cucho could be sidelined for 3-4 weeks, while Junior faces approximately a month out of action.
Pellegrini’s Alternatives
The Chilean gaffer now faces some proper selection headaches in the coming fixtures. With Cucho unavailable, Congolese striker Cédric Bakambu remains the only recognized center-forward in the squad. Pellegrini could potentially shift Chimy Ávila, Pablo García, or Aitor Ruibal into more advanced roles if needed.
At left-back, the experienced Ricardo Rodríguez or the versatile Valentín Gómez will likely deputize during Junior’s absence.
Better News for Ángel Ortiz
It’s not all doom and gloom for the Verdiblancos, though. Midfielder Ángel Ortiz, who also picked up a knock against Oviedo and had to be substituted in the second half, appears to have escaped serious injury. He was working in the gym today, and while Wednesday’s Copa del Rey clash with Elche at La Cartuja might come too soon, his absence from the official medical report suggests his issue is relatively minor.
These injuries come at a particularly busy period for Betis as they juggle league commitments with their cup ambitions. How Pellegrini navigates this mini injury crisis could define their season in the coming month.