Sevilla, Spain – Real Betis is carefully managing the returns of key midfielders Giovani Lo Celso and Isco Alarcón from injury, with manager Manuel Pellegrini outlining a strategic approach to reintegrate the pair. While both players are progressing well, their initial focuses will differ: Lo Celso is being primed for La Liga action, while Isco’s return will be geared towards European competition.
The situation stems, in part, from Lo Celso’s exclusion from Betis’ UEFA Europa League squad list. As Pellegrini explained, this was a pre-emptive decision made knowing the Argentine international wouldn’t be fit for the initial stages of the competition. “Leaving someone off the list is always complicated,” Pellegrini stated, according to reports. “We knew he wouldn’t reach those round of 16 games. With that injury, we knew that once recovered, he wouldn’t be able to play Thursday and Sunday. The same with Isco; he won’t be in condition to play Thursday and Sunday. We wanted to try to keep each of them in one competition.”
Lo Celso, who has been participating in partial training sessions with the group, is expected to be in contention for a place in the squad for Betis’s first La Liga match following the international break, against Espanyol. The 27-year-aged midfielder has a strong history with the club, having previously played for Real Betis from 2018-2019 and again since 2024, after a spell with Tottenham Hotspur. His return is particularly timely following Isco’s recent injury, providing much-needed depth and creativity in midfield.
Isco Alarcón’s recovery is progressing, but Pellegrini indicated a slightly longer timeline for his full return. While the manager expressed hope that Isco could feature in the return leg of Betis’s Europa League tie against Braga – “Hopefully he’ll be there” – his immediate focus will be on building fitness and preparing for La Liga matches. Isco joined Real Betis in the summer of 2023, and his experience and technical ability are highly valued by the team.
A Strategic Approach to Recovery
This differentiated approach to the rehabilitation of Lo Celso and Isco highlights Pellegrini’s tactical awareness and his commitment to managing player workload. The congested fixture schedule, with both domestic and European commitments, demands careful planning to avoid re-injury and maintain optimal performance levels. By focusing Lo Celso on La Liga and Isco on Europe, Pellegrini aims to maximize their contributions while minimizing the risk of overexertion.
Lo Celso’s career has seen him play for Rosario Central, Paris Saint-Germain, and Tottenham Hotspur, in addition to his two spells with Real Betis. He also has 65 appearances for the Argentinian national team, including a role in their recent Copa América triumphs in 2021 and 2024, as well as the 2022 Copa de Campeones Conmebol-UEFA. His versatility and ability to contribute both offensively and defensively make him a valuable asset for Betis.
Isco, a former Real Madrid and Spain international, brings a wealth of experience and technical skill to the Betis midfield. His ability to dictate play, create chances, and score goals will be crucial as Betis aims to compete on multiple fronts. The club will be hoping to observe him back to his best as quickly as possible.
Optimism in Seville
Despite the challenges posed by injuries, there is a palpable sense of optimism within the Real Betis camp. Pellegrini believes that both Lo Celso and Isco can be decisive players in achieving the club’s objectives this season. Betis is currently vying for a Champions League spot in La Liga and remains in contention for the Europa League title. The return of these two key midfielders will undoubtedly strengthen their chances of success.
The club’s supporters are eagerly anticipating the return of both players, recognizing their importance to the team’s ambitions. The atmosphere at the Benito Villamarín stadium is expected to be electric when Lo Celso and Isco finally make their comebacks, providing a significant boost to the team’s morale and performance.
Real Betis will face Espanyol on April 2nd, 2026, at the Benito Villamarín stadium. The match is scheduled to kick off at 21:00 local time (19:00 UTC). Fans will be watching closely to see if Lo Celso is included in the squad, marking his official return to La Liga action. The Europa League schedule will determine the timeline for Isco’s return to continental competition.
The club is confident that both players will be fully fit and firing on all cylinders in the coming weeks, providing a significant boost to their chances of achieving their goals this season. The strategic approach to their rehabilitation, coupled with Pellegrini’s tactical expertise, suggests that Real Betis is well-positioned to compete at the highest level.
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