Pellegrini rules out star’s return as Betis face Valencia at La Cartuja | OneFootball

Betis face Valencia CF at La Cartuja on Sunday with Manuel Pellegrini’s side carrying a long absentee list and scrutiny over form, while Valencia have finally recorded two wins in a row.

According to Superdeporte, Pellegrini said on Wednesday he has Aitor Ruibal back for the Feyenoord trip, with Abde and Antony also available after knocks, but goalscorer Cucho Hernández will miss both that match and the weekend meeting with Valencia CF.

Betis are playing for a place in the top eight of the UEFA Europa League, so rotation is unlikely, and even a win might still not be enough to progress if results elsewhere turn against them.

Regardless of any fresh issues in Europe three days before Carlos Corberán’s side arrive, there are up to nine absences at present. Natan was the latest addition, suspended after his fifth yellow card at Alavés in Mendizorroza, cautioned around minute 35 for a firm foul on Toni Martínez.

Longer-term problems include Amrabat, Isco and Junior Firpo, with Cucho Hernández added in recent weeks. Betis are scanning the market for a striker, with only Bakambu or Chimy Ávila in-house options, both viewed as transferable and with offers, and neither will leave without a replacement. Recently, Héctor Bellerín, Rodrigo Riquelme and Lo Celso have also gone down, Ruibal is fit to travel to the Netherlands, and all remain doubts for Sunday.

Current absentees: Natan, Bellerín, Junior, Amrabat, Isco, Lo Celso, Riquelme and Cucho.

Source: Superdeporte