Real Betis Balompié manager Manuel Pellegrini has explained the reason behind Álvaro Fidalgo's absence at the start of the season. The midfielder has missed the opening LaLiga matches due to a knee issue that prevented him from being fully fit, as the Chilean coach confirmed to Record MX.
The Verdiblancos currently sit fourth in the league table with six points from two wins. They have scored two goals and conceded none. Their next fixture is away at Levante on Friday, August 29th, an opponent currently in 17th place. The full schedule can be checked on our fixtures page.
Álvaro Fidalgo, one of the reinforcements exciting Mexican fans in Europe, has been unable to make his season debut. The player, formerly of Club América and a participant for the Mexican national team in the 2026 World Cup, was carrying an injury. "He has not had minutes because last week he was not at 100 percent with his knee," stated Manuel Pellegrini, known as 'The Engineer'.
The coaching staff decided not to rush his return. Pellegrini argued that pushing him back onto the pitch could have delayed his full recovery. The footballer could do work and kick the ball but was not in optimal condition to compete. Caution has been the primary strategy in handling this case.
The club's outlook is positive. Pellegrini himself indicated the midfielder should be ready for normal training this very week. "Maybe rushing him would have later delayed his total recovery, so we are going to take care of him, I think this week he should be available," the manager said.
His incorporation will be a boost for a team on a positive results streak. The full squad and their status can be followed in the squad section of the site. Fidalgo's return will add depth and quality to the Betis midfield, a demanding area during a long season.
Betis's immediate calendar is demanding. After the Levante match, the club focuses on its return to the top continental competition. The UEFA Champions League league phase begins on September 8th, and the draw has set the opponents. The team will play its home matches at the Estadio de La Cartuja, hosting Arsenal, Porto, Feyenoord, and debutants Como.
The away schedule includes two trips to Germany to face Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. They will also travel to France to play Lille and to Slovakia to face Slovan Bratislava. A potential duel against Mexican striker Santi Giménez, should he remain at Porto, will be an interesting subplot. This European landscape highlights the need for a broad, injury-free squad.
Fidalgo's minor injury illustrates the careful management required for a squad facing LaLiga and European duties. His imminent return to the group is good news for Pellegrini as he looks to maintain the team's positive momentum. The evolution of the league table can be monitored in our standings section. Next week, with the Champions League on the horizon, having all players available will be key.
