Real Betis Balompié received a key boost for their Champions League match against Lille with the return to training of Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, Giovani Lo Celso and Dani Ceballos. Manuel Pellegrini's team trained normally this Sunday at the Luis del Sol sports city, preparing for Tuesday's clash at the Stade Pierre Mauroy.
The session confirmed the availability of three important players. Abde, who missed the win against Real Madrid due to a viral process, has rejoined the group. Lo Celso and Ceballos, who are on the club's injuries list, also participated fully, giving Pellegrini more options for Monday's trip to France.
The presence of Abde, Lo Celso and Ceballos in Sunday's training is the most positive news for the coaching staff. Abde had already featured in the latter stages of the match against Levante before his medical issue. His pace and dribbling could be a valuable weapon in a Champions League match. Meanwhile, the experience and creative quality of Lo Celso and Ceballos offers alternatives in midfield.
However, not all the news is good. Diego Llorente, who suffered a nasal bone fracture and septal deviation after a collision with Marc Roca in the Betis-Madrid match, trained with a protective mask. The defender did not require surgery but is awaiting a custom-fitted mask to compete safely. "Lo normal es que no viaje y se quede en Sevilla, como Iker Losada", was noted in the report. This leaves a significant gap in the Betis central defence.
The Verdiblancos face their first match in the top continental competition in high spirits. Pellegrini summarised it by saying: "El cuadro adiestrado por Manuel Pellegrini llega con la moral por las nubes". Their last match was a historic victory against Real Madrid at La Cartuja, with a goal from Troy Parrott. This win is part of a recent WLWW run of form. In attack and defence, the balance is even, with 5 goals scored and 5 conceded. This good domestic form is something they aim to carry into Europe.
The planning for the clash against Lille includes a final training session at the match venue. Betis are scheduled to train at the Stade Pierre Mauroy on Tuesday afternoon, just before the game. This session will serve to acclimatise to the pitch and fine-tune the final tactical details. The confirmed absence of Diego Llorente and the probable one of Iker Losada will force adjustments in defence. The availability of the returning players, however, gives Pellegrini flexibility to approach the match. The team will travel to Lille on Monday with the intention of starting their Champions League adventure on the right foot.
