Ez Abde is back in contention for Real Betis Balompié. The Moroccan winger has been included in the squad for Saturday's match against Levante UD at the Ciutat de Valencia.
Pellegrini explained that Abde has overcome his physical issues and can now be an option from the bench. However, the positive news is mixed with continued absences. Academy product José Antonio Morante still needs a few more days to return, and Giovani Lo Celso, while already doing partial work with the group, is at least fifteen days away from making his comeback.
The expected lineup
With these players unavailable, the Verdiblanco coaching staff plans to repeat the same starting eleven that began the first matchday against Real Sociedad. This means the first-choice defensive block, rested for the match at Mestalla against Valencia, would return to action from the first minute. The probable formation would see Rui Silva in goal; Héctor Bellerín, Marc Bartra, Chadi Riad and Juan Miranda in defence; Guido Rodríguez and William Carvalho in midfield; and an attacking trio of Ayoze Pérez, Isco and Abner Vinícius, with Willian José leading the line.
There is a chance Borja Iglesias could start to give a rest to one of the attackers who have been starters in the first two matches, played with just five days between them. To complete the squad list are goalkeepers Claudio Bravo and Fran Vieites, and outfield players Luiz Henrique, Rodri, Assane Diao, Pablo Fornals, Johnny Cardoso, Youssouf Sabaly and Abde himself.
Abde's return provides a significant boost to the team's attacking options during a tough stretch of the schedule. After the match in Valencia, Betis will face Real Madrid at the Benito Villamarín. The match against Levante kicks off this Saturday at 18:30.
