Bartra sidelined with a muscle problem vs Deportivo

Marc Bartra’s latest setback has come at an awkward time for Real Betis: the Catalan centre-back was substituted after 12 minutes in the trip to Deportivo at Riazor, complaining of a muscle problem in his thigh. As MARCA reports, the issue happened when he tried to stop Bil Nsongo near the box—Bartra looked to take a knock and quickly headed for the bench.

Thigh problem

Pellegrini had already been without Diego Llorente. The Madrid-born defender suffered a fracture to the nasal bones against Real Madrid just over two weeks ago, and later had discomfort that kept him from training normally. In the lead-up, the coach had tried to manage minutes: on Thursday vs Getafe he started a pair of left-footed centre-backs, Natan and Valentín Gómez, giving Bartra a rest.

What Pellegrini expects

After the game, Pellegrini offered an initial assessment of the injury. According to MARCA, he hopes it is not a tear and pointed to a contracture in the hamstring area: “Marc felt a contracture in the hamstring behind,” adding that Betis has “three weeks” to recover him if it’s not serious.

Medical check in Seville

The exact severity will be determined after a medical exam in Seville tomorrow, as MARCA notes. Until then, Betis will have to reshuffle their defensive options urgently, especially given Bartra’s recent involvement in attacking moments—he had even produced an acrobatic effort from a set piece before the knock left him unable to continue.