Moroccan winger Ez Abde is a serious doubt for Real Betis Balompié ahead of Friday's match against Real Madrid at La Cartuja after missing training on Thursday due to a viral illness. The news comes just days after the Andalusian club rejected a major offer from Everton for the player. Betis currently sits 7th in La Liga with 6 points from two wins and one loss in their first three games.
What was Everton's offer for Abde?
On Tuesday, Everton submitted a formal offer for Ez Abde that reached 43 million euros including add-ons. Real Betis president Ángel Haro was firm in his response during the press conference held to present new signings Troy Parrott and Dani Ceballos. Haro stated: "el club la rechazó y remitió a los ingleses a su cláusula, de 60M". Betis thus maintains its position of not negotiating below the 60 million euro release clause of the Moroccan international, for whom Barcelona retains roughly 20% of his future transfer rights.
How does this affect Pellegrini's squad plans?
Abde's illness complicates manager Manuel Pellegrini's plans for the important Friday fixture. The winger had just returned to action last week, playing his first minutes of the season in the win at Levante's Ciutat de Valencia. Now, his availability for the match in Seville is in serious question. Pellegrini has 25 players at his disposal, including Ceballos and goalkeeper De Pablo, who is filling in while others are injured. However, the club's injury list remains significant, with Aitor Ruibal and goalkeeper Diego Conde training separately, joined by the absences of Giovani Lo Celso and Angel Ortiz.
What is the team's form heading into the match?
Real Betis faces the league leaders after an inconsistent start to their league campaign. The team has scored 4 goals but conceded 5, leaving them with a -1 goal difference. They trail leaders Barcelona by 3 points in the standings. A positive result at La Cartuja would provide a major boost before the next league fixture, an away trip to face Athletic Club. For now, the immediate focus is on overcoming the potential absence of a key attacker and finding solutions within a squad that has just been strengthened.
Who are the new signings?
President Haro's press conference served to officially introduce two new additions for the campaign. Irish striker Troy Parrott and Spanish midfielder Dani Ceballos are now under Pellegrini's orders and aim to add quality and depth to the Verdiblanco project. Their arrivals bolster a team aiming to compete for a place in the upper reaches of the table. The next major test for this expanded, yet injury-hit, squad comes on Friday at La Cartuja Stadium.
