Real Betis gets fitness boost with 3 key players for Atletico clash

Spanish La Liga side Real Betis got a huge boost ahead of their weekend La Liga game against Atletico Madrid with a massive return from the club’s treatment table. Three key players returned for the fixture at Wanda Metropolitan for Manuel Pellegrini’s side.

Real Betis has had to deal with an unfortunate injury problem, with the number of players on the injury list increasing in recent weeks. It also got bad last weekend in their win against Athletic Club, with three different players picking up a knock.

The trio of Nabil Fekir, Aitor Ruibal, and Sergi Altimira are all ruled out of next Sunday’s game against Diego Simeone’s men. Furthermore, Cedric Bakambu, Isco Alarcon, and Marc Bartra are unavailable.

However, Los Verdiblancos, who are hoping to catch with the rest of the top five, will have Ayoze Perez, Guido Rodriguez and Juan Miranda available against Atleti.

Ayoze and Rodriguez have been out for several weeks with ankle and leg injuries, respectively, while Miranda has recovered from the discomfort he suffered against Dinamo Zagreb. Pellegrini revealed this in an interview, revealing his excitement at the return of the former.

“It gives me great joy to see them both on the pitch. They are in the final phase of their recovery, and next week they will work hard with the rest of the group and will be available for the next match (against Atlético Madrid).” Pellegrini said.

He also revealed that Cedric Bakambu will be out for at least one month after suffering a calf injury. Bakambu scored Betis’ goal in the Croatian capital before being forced off at halftime due to injury. 

The game will be challenging for Real Betis, who still have a significant number of injuries, against an Atletico Madrid side that has not lost at home in 12 months in La Liga.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu