Betis blow as Riquelme sidelined with adductor injury
Rodrigo Riquelme joins Betis' growing injury list after suffering a mild adductor strain, likely ruling him out for up to three weeks including crucial Europa League clash.
Manuel Pellegrini’s injury headaches continue as Rodrigo Riquelme becomes the latest Betis player to join the treatment table with an adductor problem.
The Diagnosis
Real Betis confirmed on Tuesday that Riquelme has suffered a mild proximal myotendinous injury to his left long adductor muscle. The midfielder picked up the niggle during Monday’s training session, with the club’s medical team conducting tests that revealed the extent of the damage.
While no specific recovery timeline has been announced, this type of mild muscle injury typically requires between two and three weeks of rehabilitation. It’s another spanner in the works for Pellegrini, who’s already dealing with a proper injury crisis at the Benito Villamarín.
Europa League Impact
The timing couldn’t be worse for the Verdiblancos as they prepare for Thursday’s crucial Europa League clash against PAOK in Greece. Riquelme will definitely miss this vital fixture where three points would secure Betis a place in the competition’s top eight, guaranteeing direct qualification to the round of 16.
Mounting Absences
Pellegrini’s squad for the PAOK match looks increasingly thin with:
- Injured players: Isco, Bellerín, Junior, Cucho Hernández, Amrabat and now Riquelme
- Doubtful: Abde (recently returned from AFCON and hasn’t trained with the group) and Antony (pubis discomfort)
- Suspended: Bakambu (accumulation of yellow cards)
This leaves the Chilean gaffer with limited options as he attempts to navigate a crucial period in Betis’ European campaign. The growing list of absentees will test the depth of his squad to the absolute limit.
With so many key players in the physio room, Pellegrini might need to pull a rabbit out of the hat to keep Betis’ European dreams alive. The treatment table at the Benito Villamarín is starting to look busier than Piccadilly Circus at rush hour!