Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini has included Moroccan winger Abde in the squad list for tomorrow's match against Levante UD. The game, corresponding to the third matchday of LaLiga, will be played at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia, as reported by Marca.
Levante, currently sitting 17th in the table with just one point from two games, hosts a Betis side in fourth place. The granotas are searching for their first win after a start to the season with zero goals scored and three conceded. Being five points behind leaders Barcelona highlights the importance of picking up points in the immediate future.
What does Abde's return mean?
The inclusion of Abde is the main news in the Betis squad list. The player, who missed the World Cup with Morocco due to a serious knee injury sustained in a friendly against Norway, has been out for several weeks. His recovery process began in France and continued in Seville with Betis's medical services. Abde returned to group training a few days ago, but Pellegrini has been very cautious about his return to competition. "It's the same case as Abde, who is also called up; we will see tomorrow if he gets minutes," said the Chilean coach. He will not start, but could get playing time depending on how the match develops.
Who is missing from Betis's list?
Alongside the good news of Abde's return, Pellegrini's list reflects several significant absences. Full-back Junior Firpo is not included as he has club permission due to a family matter. Due to injury, goalkeeper Diego Conde, defender Aitor Ruibal, and midfielder Gonzalo Petit are out. The youth player Morante is also not ready to play and is left out. On the recovery front, Argentine Giovani Lo Celso returned to partial group training this Friday for the first time since the World Cup, though he will need at least a couple more weeks to be available. You can check the squad's status on our injuries page.
How is Levante shaping up for the clash?
The home side approaches this duel with an urgent need to improve their numbers. With a record of zero wins, one draw, and one loss, Levante must find offensive effectiveness. Paco López's team, which sits 17th in our standings, faces a demanding schedule and this home game is a key opportunity. The defensive solidity of Betis, who have conceded only three goals, will test a Levante attack that has yet to get off the mark this season. The context of the title race, with Barcelona already five points ahead, adds pressure not to fall further behind.
Who is in the Betis squad?
Pellegrini has called up three goalkeepers: Valles, Manu González, and De Pablo. In defence are Ortiz, Bellerín, Bartra, Diego Llorente, Natan, Valentín Gómez, and Fran García. The midfield consists of Facundo Bernal, Marc Roca, Fornals, Deossa, Isco, Fidalgo, Iker Losada, Antony, Riquelme, and the newly included Abde. The forward options are Pablo García, Troy Parrott, and Cucho Hernández. The manager has made clear his philosophy of not weakening the squad, stating: "If to bring in someone cheaper you have to sell someone more expensive, that is weakening yourself."
Saturday's match at the Ciudad de Valencia is an important test for both sides. Levante will try to break their poor start and climb the table, while Betis aims to consolidate its place in the upper positions. All information about the team's upcoming fixtures can be found on our fixtures calendar.
