** Real Betis already knows when it can count on Johnny Cardoso **

Real Betis Balompié

CARDOSO COULD BE AVAILABLE AGAINST BARCELONA BUT BETIS DOESN'T WANT TO RISK A RELAPSE

56

Johnny Cardoso
2.180.000€-80.000€?

J20

4

J19

5

J18

4

J17

-

J16

MD

10

Johnny Cardoso is the only one of the injured players at Betis who has a chance, albeit remote, of recovering in time for the match against Barcelona this weekend at the Benito Villamarín stadium. The list of absentees in the verdiblanco team is considerable and has been one of the factors explaining the team's difficult streak in terms of performance and results this season. In addition to the American, players such as Isco, William Carvalho, Marc Roca, Bellerín, Fornals, and Mendy remain excluded from the squad, causing serious issues in midfield. This situation has forced Manuel Pellegrini to turn to youth academy players like Guirao and Mateo to fill the gaps.

Regarding Cardoso's progress, his recovery is progressing within the established timelines, although the club advocates caution. As planned, the intention is for the midfielder to gradually rejoin group training in these days, with the possibility of being available for the Betis-Barcelona match or, failing that, for the game against Petrocub in the Conference League. Cardoso has been working intensively with physiotherapists and rehabilitators to overcome the moderate-grade muscle injury in his left hamstring that he suffered on November 15.

In any case, no unnecessary risks are to be taken, as a relapse could extend his absence in future games. The idea is for the player to participate in group dynamics during this week and for the coaching staff to make the final decision on his inclusion in the squad for the matches against Barcelona, although unlikely, or against Petrocub and Villarreal.