Betis Team News - Soccer

Real Betis vs Real Sociedad Prediction and Betting Tips | August 21st 2026 Real Betis and Real Sociedad begin their 2026-27 La Liga season with a clash at the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville on Friday.

4 HOURS AGO • SPORTSKEEDA.COM

Hector Bellerin - Returns to training group Bellerin rejoined Betis's training session Wednesday after missing several days with an ankle sprain suffered in the friendly against Inter Milan, according to Eldesmarque.

Impact Bellerin's return increases his chances of being available for Friday's season opener against Real Sociedad at La Cartuja. The session was led by coach Manuel Pellegrini, who had been absent Tuesday for personal reasons, with Bellerin's reappearance in the group standing out as the main development. Bellerin is expected to be further assessed in the coming days before a final decision is made on his involvement in the opener. Angel Ortiz remains an option at right back should Bellerin ultimately be unavailable.

11 HOURS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Besiktas Plot Blockbuster Move to Sign Antony From Real Betis Besiktas are targeting Antony after his impressive season at Real Betis as the Brazilian winger emerges as a major summer transfer target.

1 DAY AGO • BEINSPORTS.COM

Hector Bellerin - Uncertain for league debut Bellerin was absent from Tuesday's training session after leaving Saturday's friendly against Inter Milan after just 10 minutes due to an undisclosed injury, according to Zona Mixt...

Impact Bellerin is nonetheless expected to be available for Friday's match against Real Sociedad despite the setback, which keeps his status somewhat uncertain heading into Betis's league debut. The right back's early exit from the Inter match raised some concern given the timing so close to the start of the season. Bellerin is expected to be assessed further before a final call is made on his involvement. Angel Ortiz remains an option at right back should Bellerin be unavailable for the opener.

1 DAY AGO • ROTOWIRE

Abde Ezzalzouli - Nearing return, likely bench role Abde is expected to be included in Betis's squad for Friday's season opener against Real Sociedad as he enters the final stage of his recovery, according to Zona Mixta.

Impact Abde joined his teammates on the training pitch just three days before Betis's first home match of the new La Liga campaign, having previously taken part only in partial sessions with the group last week and sitting out the trip to Italy. The winger's return to full training strengthens the belief that he'll be available for selection this weekend. Abde is expected to start on the bench even if included in the squad, with Rodrigo Riquelme in line to take his place on the left wing. His continued progress will be worth tracking as Betis finalize their squad plans for the opener.

1 DAY AGO • ROTOWIRE

Giovani Lo Celso - Managing muscular discomfort Lo Celso (muscular) is reportedly dealing with muscular discomfort following his vacation, according to El Desmarque.

Impact Lo Celso has trained alone for several sessions and missed Saturday's friendly against Inter as a result, with the club framing the situation as part of a physical adaptation process rather than a specific injury, though fans have grown frustrated watching the midfielder remain apart from the group despite limited World Cup minutes. No official return date has been given, and each passing day makes it more complicated for the Argentine, a potential key piece for Betis' Champions League campaign, to be ready for the start of the season. Coach Manuel Pellegrini is expected to address the situation before the season opener.

3 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Junior Firpo - Comes off bench vs. Inter Milan Firpo (thigh) came off the bench in Saturday's 1-0 friendly loss to Inter Milan.

Impact Firpo entered the game in the 73rd minute and logged some much-needed minutes before the start of the season after spending time on the sidelines in the preseason. The left-back should be healthy enough to be an option for Betis when LaLiga starts against Real Sociedad on Friday. Aug. 21.

4 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Hector Bellerin - Exits friendly due to injury Bellerin left Saturday's friendly match against Inter Milan in the first half due to an undisclosed injury, according to ZonaMixta.

Impact The extent of the injury is uncertain, but it's certainly a worrisome sight for Betis since Bellerin is projected to open the 2026/27 season as the first-choice right-back. Angel Ortiz took his place in the game, and he'd be in line to start at right-back in the Liga opener against Real Sociedad next Friday if Bellerin doesn't recover in time.

4 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Junior Firpo - Named in squad vs. Inter Milan Firpo (thigh) is included in Real Betis' squad for Saturday's friendly against Inter Milan, according to the club.

Impact Firpo had requested a substitution in the second half of the draw with Bournemouth after feeling a twinge in his thigh, though tests subsequently ruled out any tear or significant injury, confirming it as nothing more than muscular overload discomfort. He had been pressured to depart the club this summer, but Real Betis has since announced it isn't pursuing any other left back, meaning Firpo should remain with the squad this season even as he battles for playing time behind Fran Garcia in the pecking order. His inclusion in this matchday squad points to a clean bill of health heading into the campaign.

5 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Abde Ezzalzouli - Trains fully with team Abde (knee) was spotted training normally with the team again Thursday and could be an option for Saturday's friendly against Inter, according to Zona Mixta.

Impact Abde had previously been working apart from the group for parts of sessions after suffering a right knee ligament sprain in June, an injury that also cost him a spot at the World Cup with Morocco. His return to full training now marks a significant step forward in his gradual reintegration, positioning him closer to being ready for the season opener against Real Sociedad on August 21.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Abde Ezzalzouli - Trains partially Tuesday Abde returned to team training for the opening portion of Tuesday's session before leaving to do specific work on the grass after 15 minutes, according to Deportes Sevilla.

Impact Abde has been following a structured recovery plan since suffering a right knee ligament sprain in June, an injury that also cost him a spot at the World Cup with Morocco, and this partial return to team work marks incremental progress. His gradual reintegration continues as Betis looks to have him ready for the season opener against Real Sociedad on August 21, with his workload expected to keep building over the coming days.

AUGUST 11 • ROTOWIRE

Isco - Racing to be ready for opener Isco is racing against the clock to be ready for the season opener against Real Sociedad, with coach Manuel Pellegrini admitting he'll be far from full fitness even as his progress...

Impact Isco has played 110 minutes across preseason so far, missing the first four friendlies while following a specific training program before making his debut against Almeria and later playing 45 minutes each against Arsenal and Bournemouth, entering as a substitute each time. He left a strong impression against Arsenal, hitting the post before Cucho Hernandez's goal. Pellegrini has stressed caution, noting Isco, Ez Abde and Cucho are unlikely to be at full fitness for the opener, though he called preseason overall very positive. Isco's leadership as the club's primary offensive orchestrator makes his availability significant, and Wednesday's friendly against Inter will be key in determining whether he earns a starting nod against Real Sociedad.

AUGUST 10 • ROTOWIRE

Rodrigo Riquelme - Impresses in preseason Riquelme continues to impress during Real Betis' preseason and is pushing for a starting spot in the league opener against Real Sociedad.

Impact Riquelme has raised his level significantly, scoring three goals during preseason against Recreativo, Lyon and Arsenal, showing physical and technical form clearly ahead of where he was last season, and he was again dangerous after coming on late against Bournemouth despite missing a clear chance. Ez Abde has not played a single minute this summer after suffering a medial collateral ligament injury in his right knee on June 7 while playing for Morocco, an injury that also forced him out of the World Cup, and remains in individualized training as he gradually works his way closer to rejoining the group. With Abde still lacking match rhythm, Riquelme is the favorite to start on the left wing for the club's league opener against Real Sociedad. Coach Manuel Pellegrini still has one more preseason match to further assess both players before making his final decision.

AUGUST 10 • ROTOWIRE

Giovani Lo Celso - Back in training after vacation Lo Celso has returned to Real Betis following his vacation and trained at the Luis del Sol training city, according to Zona Mixta.

Impact Lo Celso made 24 LaLiga appearances last season, contributing two goals and three assists, and helped Argentina reach the World Cup final, scoring in the group stage win over Jordan and finishing the tournament two chances created as well. His return to training reinforces his stated preference to remain at Betis, even as his future continues to draw outside interest heading into the new season.

AUGUST 10 • ROTOWIRE

Junior Firpo - Dealing with thigh issue Firpo requested a substitution in the second half of the draw with Bournemouth after feeling a twinge in his thigh, but tests have ruled out any tear or significant injury, accordi...

Impact Firpo's underwhelming showing in that match, including a costly mistake in buildup that led to Bournemouth's second goal, has already sparked questions about his place behind Fran Garcia in the pecking order at left back, with coach Manuel Pellegrini known to rotate heavily given the added demands of Champions League football this season. The issue has been confirmed as nothing more than muscular overload discomfort, meaning Firpo should be available for the start of the season. The positive medical update at least takes injury concerns out of the equation, leaving his path to regular minutes largely dependent on form as Real Betis gears up for the 2026/27 campaign.

AUGUST 10 • ROTOWIRE

Alvaro Fidalgo - Plays against Bournemouth Fidalgo (knee) was back in action during an offseason match against Bournemouth.

Impact Fidalgo didn't miss a long period with the minor issue he picked up earlier in the preseason. Therefore, he should be a quality midfield option, though without guaranteed playing time as he faces tough competition from Isco at the No. 10 spot as well as Pablo Fornals, Nelson Deossa and Marc Roca in the holding midfield zone. Prior to the 2026/27 season, Fidalgo logged one goal in 95 minutes of play for the Mexican national team at the World Cup.

AUGUST 8 • ROTOWIRE

Abde Ezzalzouli - Trains individually Friday Abde trains individually Friday, working apart from the group at the club's sporting city, according to Zona Mixta.

Impact Abde has been following a structured recovery plan since suffering a right knee ligament sprain in June, an injury that also cost him a spot at the World Cup with Morocco. His continued individual work suggests his reintegration remains gradual even after being included in the traveling squad for the training camp in Marbella, and his progress toward full training will be worth monitoring as Betis looks to have him ready for the season opener against Real Sociedad.

AUGUST 7 • ROTOWIRE

Hector Bellerin makes feelings clear after captaining Real Betis to win over Arsenal in pre-season friendly Former Arsenal man Hector Bellerin has expressed his excitement after captaining Real Betis to a 3-1 friendly win over the Gunners in Dublin, Ireland on Wednesday (August 5).

AUGUST 6 • SPORTSKEEDA.COM

Antony - Plays off bench vs. Arsenal Antony (groin) entered Wednesday's friendly match against Arsenal in the 72nd minute, according to ZonaMixta.

Impact This was Antony's first appearance with Betis in the preseason, and the star winger is trending in the right direction after following a specific training regimen in the offseason. Antony should continue to ramp up his fitness levels to be as healthy as possible for the Liga opener versus Real Sociedad on Aug. 21.

AUGUST 5 • ROTOWIRE

Alvaro Fidalgo - Dealing with knee discomfort Fidalgo won't be an option for Wednesday's friendly match against Arsenal due to knee discomfort, according to ZonaMixta.

Impact Fidalgo has been nursing knee pain since the 2026 World Cup, and even though he joined the rest of the side at the Marbella camp, he's not 100 percent healthy and has struggled to participate in full training sessions. With that in mind, Fidalgo is uncertain to be available for the Liga opener against Real Sociedad on Friday, August 21.

AUGUST 5 • ROTOWIRE

Arsenal vs. Real Betis: Preview, Predictions and Lineups The Gunners take on Manuel Pellegrini’s Betis in Dublin, Ireland.

AUGUST 5 • SI.COM

Cucho Hernandez - Named in squad for Ireland trip Hernandez traveled with Real Betis to Ireland Monday for the club's preseason camp, the club announced.

Impact Hernandez contributed an assist in two appearances for Colombia during the World Cup before returning to Spain for preseason, and his inclusion in the traveling group marks his first involvement in a summer preparation camp, with a possible appearance in Wednesday's friendly against Arsenal at Dublin's Aviva Stadium. Betis' leading scorer is now back in the fold as the club builds toward the new season, and Hernandez is expected to continue building up his fitness during the trip.

AUGUST 3 • ROTOWIRE

Cucho Hernandez - Set to train Monday Hernandez is expected to return to team training Monday for preseason with Real Betis following the post World Cup break, according to Diario de Sevilla.

Impact Hernandez contributed one assist in two appearances for Colombia during the Wolrd Cup and is now returning to Spain for preseason. His planned return to club training now shifts focus to preparations as Betis builds toward the new 2026/27 La Liga season with its leading scorer back in the fold.

AUGUST 2 • ROTOWIRE

Isco - Appears off bench in friendly Isco (undisclosed) featured as a substitute during an offseason meeting with Almeria.

Impact Isco was finally able to see minutes on the pitch following his return to full training earlier in the week. The experienced midfielder has been forced to long-term absences over the last couple of seasons, so it could be a matter of regaining physical form and momentum before he can compete for a consistent role. If he stays fit for upcoming weeks, he could hold plenty of attacking upside given his status as a clever distributor and a possible set-piece taker. On the other hand, his inclusion would relegate Giovani Lo Celso and Alvaro Fidalgo to either substitute or more defensive spots in midfield.

AUGUST 2 • ROTOWIRE

Antony - Spotted in training Friday Antony (groin) was spotted in training Friday and could be an option to face Almeria on Saturday, according to ZonaMixta.

Impact Antony didn't play in the previous friendly matches, but he's on track to be available for at least one or two matches before the season starts. Just like Isco, Antony is following a specific training program to be ready for the season opener against Real Sociedad on Aug. 21.

JULY 31 • ROTOWIRE

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