Real Betis has had a challenging week, with setbacks both on and off the pitch. Their Europa Conference League journey came to an end with a disappointing loss to Dinamo Zagreb, compounded by the loss of a crucial player to injury.
In the knockout round encounter against Dinamo Zagreb, Betis fought hard but ultimately fell short, losing 2-1 on aggregate. Cedric Bakambu provided a glimmer of hope with a goal, but his injury forced him off at halftime, adding to Betis’ woes.
The blow was further intensified by Manuel Pellegrini’s announcement regarding Bakambu’s injury. A calf injury will see the striker sidelined for at least a month, leaving Betis without one of their key attacking threats.
However, amidst the gloom, there is a silver lining for Betis. Pellegrini revealed that Ayoze Perez and Guido Rodriguez are nearing a return from their respective injuries to the ankles and legs. Their imminent comeback injects hope and much-needed depth into the squad.
“I’m very happy to see them both on the pitch,” stated Pellegrini optimistically. “They will practice hard with the rest of the team and be ready for the upcoming game against Atletico Madrid next week as they near the end of their recuperation.”
The return of Perez and Rodriguez couldn’t come at a better time for Betis, who have struggled in their absence, particularly in finding the back of the net without Ayoze. Rodriguez’s presence will bolster the midfield, providing competition to recent additions Johnny Cardoso, Marc Roca, and William Carvalho.
As Betis navigates through these challenging times, the imminent return of key players offers a glimmer of hope and optimism. With resilience and determination, they aim to overcome obstacles and get back on track in their pursuit of success.