Betis boost as Junior and Riquelme edge closer to fitness
Pellegrini's injury-hit squad receives welcome news as two key players make partial return to training, with Cucho Hernández also nearing comeback.
Real Betis received a double dose of good news as both Junior Firpo and Rodrigo Riquelme made partial returns to first-team training at Ciudad Deportiva Luis del Sol, offering Manuel Pellegrini some light at the end of an injury-plagued tunnel.
Injury boost comes at crucial time
With Betis still fighting on three fronts and Thursday’s Copa del Rey clash against Atlético Madrid looming large, the Chilean gaffer will be absolutely chuffed to see reinforcements on the horizon. The Verdiblancos have been dealing with a proper injury crisis, with seven players currently on the treatment table.
As reported by ABC, both Junior and Riquelme participated in parts of Monday’s closed training session, though it remains to be seen if either will be fit enough for Thursday’s cup tie. They’re not the only ones making progress either:
- Cucho Hernández has been training individually but hopes to rejoin the group in coming days
- The Colombian striker himself recently revealed he’s racing to be fit for the Atlético match
- Natan will return from suspension after missing the Valencia match
More reinforcements incoming
Pellegrini’s squad options should improve further with winter signing Álvaro Fidalgo expected to arrive from Mexico in the next few hours, while Héctor Bellerín is also nearing a return from injury.
However, fans will need to be patient regarding the comebacks of three significant absentees:
- Sofyan Amrabat
- Isco Alarcón
- Giovani Lo Celso
All three remain longer-term concerns with no immediate return dates set.
Cup showdown approaches
Betis have scheduled two more training sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday before Pellegrini makes his final selection decisions for Thursday’s cup clash against Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid.
The cup tie represents what many Béticos consider the first ‘final’ of their season as they look to progress in a competition that means so much to the green-and-whites. Remarkably, Betis remain active in all three competitions they entered this season - a testament to Pellegrini’s management despite the injury setbacks.
With the transfer window slamming shut tonight, Pellegrini will soon know exactly what squad he’ll have at his disposal for the crucial months ahead. Talk about squeaky bum time!