Antony back in training for Betis amid six absentees ahead of Mallorca clash
Brazilian winger managing pubic pain but expected to travel, while Cucho Hernández, Chimy Ávila and Bellerín remain doubtful for weekend fixture
Brazilian winger Antony has returned to group training for Real Betis, providing a timely boost ahead of their weekend trip to Mallorca despite ongoing concerns about a pubic injury.
Antony managing through the pain
The São Paulo native was absent from yesterday’s session but rejoined his teammates on the grass at Ciudad Deportiva Luis del Sol today, just over 48 hours before Betis face Jagoba Arrasate’s Mallorca in La Liga matchday 24.
The Brazilian recently discussed the pubic pain that’s been plaguing him throughout the season, with Pellegrini’s coaching staff and medical team carefully managing his workload. This includes tailored gym sessions (like yesterday) and controlled field work (today’s approach). Despite these ongoing issues, Antony remains a nailed-on starter in Pellegrini’s XI when available.
Six players missing from training
The news ain’t all rosy for the Verdiblancos, though. Manuel Pellegrini had to contend with six absentees during Thursday’s closed training session:
- Cucho Hernández - The Colombian forward trained individually yesterday alongside Chimy Ávila and Héctor Bellerín, but none of the three joined the main group today
- Chimy Ávila - Following individual work, appears unlikely to make the weekend squad
- Héctor Bellerín - Also working separately from the main group
- Giovani Lo Celso - Long-term absentee continuing rehabilitation
- Isco - Another key player still in recovery phase
- Sofyan Amrabat - Currently in the Netherlands for the first phase of his post-surgery rehabilitation
The trio of Hernández, Ávila and Bellerín look more likely to target next week’s fixture against Rayo Vallecano rather than making the journey to Son Moix. Academy product Rodrigo Marina continues training with the first team and could make the matchday squad again.
Meanwhile, Lo Celso, Isco and Amrabat remain ruled out for the coming weeks as they continue their respective recovery processes, with Amrabat expected to return to Seville after completing his initial rehabilitation in Holland.