Real Betis left-back Junior Firpo picked up a muscular issue while on international duty with the Dominican Republic and is now awaiting medical tests. The defender came off after just ten minutes of the match against Haiti, a setback for Betis as they face a congested schedule of eight games across three competitions.
Firpo explained he was already carrying discomfort from the previous game against Trinidad and Tobago. "The truth is I came into the match with discomfort from the game against Trinidad and Tobago and I felt a small stretch stronger than expected, and now we wait for the tests to see if I return to the club, who have already called me and want to see what's there," said Firpo. This issue rules him out of his national team's next match against Nicaragua. "If I couldn't play the previous match, I don't think it will be possible," he added.
Firpo's injury comes at a time of high workload for the Verdiblancos. Betis, who are third in La Liga with 16 points and are on a five-game unbeaten run (four wins and one draw), face a key sequence of fixtures. The full-back is a key part of manager Manuel Pellegrini's rotation system, sharing left-back duties with Spanish international Fran García to manage fatigue. Firpo's absence would force greater strain on García, who already has significant minutes in his legs after a recent call-up with Spain.
The player himself criticised the new international break format, which packs more matches into fewer days, citing it as a risk factor. While awaiting test results, the club is monitoring his progress closely. The squad, which has been solid defensively conceding only seven goals in seven league games, aims to maintain its strong position in the standings.
Read the full report at ABC Deportes
