Abde Ezzalzouli and Pablo Morante are the two main fitness doubts for Real Betis ahead of Saturday's match against Levante UD. Both players took part in another full training session on Thursday, but a final decision on their trip to Valencia will be made by the technical staff following a medical review on Friday.
The 24-year-old Moroccan winger has not played since suffering a knee injury in a friendly with his national team last June, which ruled him out of the World Cup. He has now been training with the group for two weeks. Morante, the academy product, missed the first two league matches with discomfort but rejoined team training last Sunday. Their presence at the Ciutat de Valencia would mark the season's official debut for both.
Confirmed absentees for Betis
While Abde and Morante race to be fit, Betis will be without several confirmed absentees. The injured trio of Diego Conde, Aitor Ruibal and Giovani Lo Celso continue their respective recovery processes and are unavailable. Uruguayan midfielder Gonzalo Petit will also not travel; as a non-EU player, he has been left out of the squad as the club seeks a solution for his departure, either a permanent sale or a loan.
Manuel Pellegrini's side arrives at the match with a perfect record, having beaten Real Sociedad and Valencia. With six points, they share third place in the table with Real Madrid and Sevilla, sitting in that position on goal difference. A win in Valencia could see them challenge for the top spot.
Pending transfer moves
The build-up to the match is also coloured by the imminent closure of the transfer window next Tuesday. The departure of youngster Gnangoro Bouare to Rayo Vallecano was made official on Thursday. Betis are looking to generate capital gains from exits like that of Iker Losada or Petit to facilitate a potential last-minute signing, particularly in attack.
The match between Levante and Real Betis will be played on Saturday, 30 August at 17:00 at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia. The Verdiblancos confirm the rest of the squad, aside from the long-term injured, is available for Pellegrini as they aim for a third consecutive victory.
