Aitor Ruibal - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates

Still in recovery Ruibal (knee) is still in recovery for the time being, according to Zona Mixta.

Impact Ruibal has already missed the first three La Liga games of the season, and his continued absence pushes back his 2026/27 LaLiga debut further. His next opportunity to feature would likely come in a few weeks, though his timeline for a return remains unclear as Real Betis continues managing his recovery.

AUGUST 31 • ROTOWIRE

Not playing Tuesday Ruibal (knee) is not in the squad for Tuesday's clash against Valencia.

Impact Ruibal wasn't in the squad for the season opener against Real Sociedad, and he's not fit yet to make his 2026/27 LaLiga debut. When healthy, Ruibal should compete for playing time at either right-back or right wing. However, it's unclear when he'll be able to play. His next chance to suit up will come against Levante on Saturday.

AUGUST 24 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out of season opener Ruibal (knee) will be sidelined for Friday's match against Real Sociedad due to injury, according to coach Manuel Pellegrini.

Impact Ruibal's absence continues a stretch that has seen him miss training with the group for an extended period, having already been left out of preseason friendlies. His original target of being ready for the season opener has evidently not been met, given his continued absence from team sessions. Ruibal is expected to keep working toward a return once he's able to resume training normally with his teammates.

AUGUST 20 • ROTOWIRE

Still not training Ruibal (knee) didn't train Friday and is not expected to be an option for Saturday's friendly match against Almeria, according to ZonaMixta.

Impact Ruibal didn't play in Wednesday's friendly win over Lyon and didn't train Thursday and Friday, so he's not expected to be in the squad to face Almeria. Ruibal's involvement in preseason has been minimal, but the midfielder's goal is to be ready to play for the season opener against Real Sociedad on Aug. 21.

JULY 31 • ROTOWIRE

Set for Marbella training camp Ruibal (knee) has been named among Real Betis' players for the upcoming camp in Marbella, the club announced.

Impact Ruibal underwent surgery on the external meniscus of his right knee that ended his previous season early, a decision made after managing the same issue conservatively since first tearing it three years earlier. He closed out that campaign with five goals, three assists and a career high 58 clearances across all competitions, contributing to Betis' Champions League qualification despite the physical toll. His place in the group for this camp points to continued progress in his recovery. Ruibal is expected to keep building toward full training as preseason continues.

JULY 27 • ROTOWIRE

Undergoes successful surgery Ruibal (knee) has undergone successful surgery on the external meniscus of his right knee, bringing his season to an end, according to Zona Mixta.

Impact Ruibal revealed in a heartfelt social media letter that he had been managing the same meniscus issue since suffering a tear three years ago, with the decision made this time to operate rather than pursue the conservative treatment that had worked previously. The Real Betis captain ends a season he described as incredible on a personal level, having contributed to the club's Champions League qualification despite the physical and mental challenges that came with managing the knee throughout the campaign. Ruibal contributed five goals, three assists, 28 chances created, 69 tackles, and a career high 58 clearances across all competitions before the surgical intervention, and the focus will now shift entirely to his rehabilitation ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

MAY 17 • ROTOWIRE

Knee surgery ends season Ruibal (knee) will undergo surgery Friday to address a problem with the external meniscus of his right knee, ending his season, according to Zona Mixta.

Impact Ruibal has been managing the meniscus issue and will now go under the knife to resolve it, bringing an end to what had been a strong campaign for the versatile midfielder. The Spaniard contributed five goals and three assists across all competitions this season, proving valuable in multiple roles including right-back and winger. Hector Bellerin is expected to cover at right-back for the remainder of the season in his absence. No return timeline has been established beyond the current campaign, with the recovery from meniscus surgery typically requiring several weeks before a player can return to full training.

MAY 14 • ROTOWIRE

Back from suspension Ruibal is no longer suspended and is an option moving forward for the club.

Impact Ruibal has served his suspension following a red card against Real Sociedad in the last match and is set to return in the next contest. The versatile full-back had been a starter prior to his suspension and is expected to regain a starting role against Barcelona on Sunday.

MAY 13 • ROTOWIRE

Sent off in draw Ruibal was shown a red card during Saturday's 2-2 draw with Real Sociedad.

Impact Ruibal was busy in defensive duties, but his performance ended when he received a second yellow card in stoppage time. This issue makes him ineligible for the midweek match against Elche with his next chance to feature coming in a subsequent visit to Barcelona. The versatile man played a right-back role in the last contest, so his suspension will likely allow Hector Bellerin to return to the lineup.

MAY 9 • ROTOWIRE

Assist to tie game Ruibal assisted once to go with six shots (one on goal), one cross (one accurate) and two chances created in Sunday's 1-1 draw versus Celta Vigo.

Impact Ruibal would earn the club's lone assist of the match Sunday, finding Hector Bellerin in the 49th minute for a goal. This gives the player his second assist of the season, up to six goal contributions in 22 appearances. He continues to find time in the team regardless of whether he starts in the midfield or defense.

MARCH 16 • ROTOWIRE

Back in team training Ruibal (muscular) was spotted back in full team training Tuesday, according to Zona Mixta.

Impact Ruibal was forced off in Saturday's draw against Rayo Vallecano with a muscular issue, but the early concern has cooled off after tests revealed it was only minor. The versatile defender is already back in full team training as of Tuesday and is trending toward being available for Sunday's derby against Sevilla, putting him firmly back in the mix after what looked like a potential setback.

FEBRUARY 24 • ROTOWIRE

Injury revealed minor Ruibal (muscular) was forced off in the second half during Saturday's 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano but the injury was revealed not serious as he should return to training this w...

Impact Ruibal was forced off in the second half of Saturday's 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano after dealing with a muscle issue, but follow-up tests brought positive news and confirmed it was only minor. The versatile defender is expected to resume full training this week and could be in the mix to be available for Sunday's derby against Sevilla. That would be a major boost for Real Betis, as he has been a steady presence in the starting XI due to injuries and should continue to lock down the right-back spot until Hector Bellerin is fully fit.

FEBRUARY 23 • ROTOWIRE

Subbed off injured Ruibal was forced off in the second half of Saturday's clash against Vallecano due to an apparent injury, according to 101TV Sevilla.

Impact Ruibal was forced off in the 69th minute of Saturday's clash against Vallecano due to an apparent injury and was replaced by Angel Ortiz. The versatile Spaniard will undergo further tests in the coming days to determine the severity of the issue. If his absence is confirmed, Hector Bellerin is expected to start at right-back in the upcoming matches.

FEBRUARY 21 • ROTOWIRE

Comes off bench in return Ruibal (groin) logged 15 minutes as a substitute in Thursday's Europa League win over Feyenoord.

Impact Ruibal replaced Chimy Avila for the final minutes of the UEL matchup, which marked his return from a short injury absence. The wide player has been an option in right-back and left-wing roles this season, but he's now unlikely to feature in an offensive spot with Ez Abde available, so he'll challenge Angel Ortiz for playing time in the back line.

JANUARY 29 • ROTOWIRE

Option to play Thursday Ruibal (muscular) is an option for Thursday's clash against Feyenoord in the Europa League, coach Manuel Pellegrini said in the press conference, according to Zona Mixta.

Impact Ruibal missed the last game against Alaves due to a minor muscular injury that he could fully clear this week since he is an option for Thursday's clash against Feyenoord in the Europa League. This is great news for the club since he has been a regular starter this season under coach Manuel Pellegrini and he will likely resume a starting role, in defense or frontline, depending on what he squad needs.

JANUARY 28 • ROTOWIRE

Won't be available Sunday Ruibal (muscular) suffered an injury in Thursday's clash against PAOK in the Europa League and will miss Sunday's clash against Alaves, coach Manuel Pellegrini confirmed in a press...

Impact Ruibal will miss Sunday's clash against Alaves after suffering a muscular injury during Thursday's clash against PAOK in the Europa League. The versatile defender will likely be assessed in the coming hours to know the extend of the injury and his absence will force a change in the starting XI since he has been a regular starter at right-back or on the left-wing during the absence of Ez Abde. With Abde back from the AFCON, the absence of Ruibal will be beneficial to Angel Ortiz if Hector Bellering (muscular) remains out.

JANUARY 23 • ROTOWIRE

Suffers injury against PAOK Ruibal left Thursday's UEFA Europa League loss to PAOK due to a fitness issue, which was confirmed by manager Manuel Pellegrini in the post-match press conference.

Impact Ruibal has apparently picked up a knock and is at risk of missing upcoming league and UEL action. The wide man has been active lately in both left-wing and right-back roles, producing three goals and one assist over his latest six starts in all competitions. While his absence would hurt the team's attacking potential, there's a chance that both Ez Abde and Antony (groin) will be back to operate on the sides of a three-man attacking midfield going forward.

JANUARY 22 • ROTOWIRE

Scores in victory Aitor Ruibal scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-0 win versus Villarreal.

Impact Ruibal scored his fourth league goal with a composed finish after a deflected cross into the box and continues to perform as one of the league's most effective attacking right backs. While he has played some matches higher up as a winger, he has also recorded one assist, created 14 chances, and taken 18 shots, highlighting his attacking upside. Ruibal will next face Alaves in a favorable matchup, as they currently sit 18th in the league table.

JANUARY 21 • ROTOWIRE

Delivers assist in loss Ruibal assisted once to go with one shot (one on goal) and two chances created in Sunday's 5-1 loss versus Real Madrid.

Impact Ruibal completed a long pass that led to Cucho Hernandez's goal in the 66th minute of Sunday's match. It was the midfielder's second straight outing as a left winger in the absence of Ez Abde (not injury related), and so far he has been productive in that role with five shots (four on target), two chances created, two goals and one assist.

JANUARY 4 • ROTOWIRE

Scores first two in 4-0 win Aitor Ruibal scored two goals to go with four shots (three on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Sunday's 4-0 win over Getafe.

Impact Ruibal scored the opening two goals of the match as Betis beat Getafe 4-0. He has scored a total of three goals this season, with the other coming in the opening game of the season. He has started seven games in La Liga this year. He put three shots on target in this game, and in all other games before this one, he only put four shots on target in total.

DECEMBER 23, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Records three crosses Ruibal generated one shot (one on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Monday's 0-0 draw versus Rayo Vallecano.

Impact Ruibal would appear in the starting XI Monday after a bench spot in their last contest, playing the full 90 minutes. He would record an okay match from the defense, whipping in three crosses to go along with one clearance, an interception and two tackles in the defense. He remains a rotational option, with six starts in 12 appearances.

DECEMBER 16, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Unused on the bench Ruibal (hamstring) went unused on the bench during Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest.

Impact Rodriguez was unused on the bench, but was back in the squad for Wednesday's match. The defender has been slowly working back to fitness, and could make his full return during Sunday's clash with Osasuna back in La Liga.

SEPTEMBER 24, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Running on grass Ruibal (hamstring) was viewed running on grass during training Wednesday, according to his club.

Impact Ruibal suffered a hamstring injury just ahead of the break but is already seeing his first steps to a return, with the defender now running during training. That said, he is still definitely out for Sunday's match when Betis return to action. He will then hope to train in the next week or two with the team, likely to return closer to October.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Suffers hamstring injury Ruibal suffered a moderate myotendinous injury of his right hamstring in the game against Celta Vigo and is out for the time being, the club announced.

Impact Ruibal suffered a hamstring injury in the last game against Celta Vigo and underwent evaluations that revealed a moderate myotendinous injury that will keep him sidelined for several weeks. This type of injury usually takes between six and 12 weeks to recover, but his return will depend on the treatment and how the process evolves. That said, until he comes back fit and if no new signings happen before then, Pablo Garcia is expected to get the start on the right wing.

AUGUST 29, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Off injured Ruibal was forced off with an apparent injury during Wednesday's trip to Celta Vigo.

Impact Ruibal has been a crucial part to the starting XI throughout the early portion of the season, but was forced off injured Wednesday. The midfielder was replaced by Pablo Garcia, who can fill in on the right wing, where Ruibal has been pushed to playing early in the season. Ruibal will have limited time to recover before a Sunday clash with Athletic Club.

AUGUST 27, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

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