Pellegrini recovers one of his key pieces

Real Betis Balompié

PELLEGRINI REGAINS HIS TRUMP CARD

54

Aitor Ruibal
1.830.000€-50.000€3

J14

-

J13

-

J12

10

J11

8

J10

DF

10

During the next four or five matches, Betis will have to manage an important issue in the midfield. The absences of William Carvalho, Marc Roca, and Johnny Cardoso leave Altimira as the only specialist in the first team available to play in the double pivot. However, Pellegrini has found a key support in Ruibal, a versatile player who becomes essential and could be crucial in configuring a competitive starting eleven.

The versatile Catalan footballer has brought good news after two weeks of training during the November international break. He has recovered from the muscle injury in his right biceps femoris, suffered in the match against Atlético de Madrid, and, if there are no setbacks, he will be one of the novelties in the squad for the trip to Valencia next Friday.

In Cardoso's absence, Fornals appears as the main candidate to accompany Altimira in midfield, as Pellegrini has occasionally used him in this position in some matches. Furthermore, with Ruibal's return, Fornals' positional change will not create a significant gap on the right flank. The coaching staff may opt for more offensive profiles, such as Chimy Ávila or Assane Diao, or a player with greater defensive capabilities like Aitor.

Starting this Saturday at Mestalla, Ruibal could regain a leading role in the team if the coach decides to field Fornals alongside Altimira and place the Catalan on the right flank. He could perform in midfield, where he has already played several times this season, or even at right-back. With Bellerín injured, the only natural alternative in that position is Sabaly, a player prone to injury if he accumulates too many minutes. Ruibal, more versatile than ever, emerges as a key resource.