Diego Llorente returns to Betis group training after missing matches

Betis returned to training this Wednesday after the two-day rest granted by Manuel Pellegrini following the draw at Riazor, and the standout development was Diego Llorente’s return. As MARCA reports, the Madrid-born centre-back, who has been missing games due to his issues, trained with the squad in what looked like normal fashion without the protective mask.

Llorente is back

The reason for his absence dates back to weeks ago: Llorente suffered a fracture to the bones in his nose in a heavy collision with teammate Marc Roca during the La Liga match against Real Madrid at La Cartuja. After several days working with a protective covering, he didn’t feature either in Betis’ Champions League opener in Lille or in the team’s three domestic fixtures from the following week.

Alongside him, the session also included another fresh face from the academy, Rodrigo Marina.

Bartra out, internationals absent

Marc Bartra did not take part with the group. MARCA says the Catalan defender had discomfort in the hamstring during the match against Deportivo de A Coruña and was taken off, even though tests ruled out a definite injury; he continues with individual work.

Also still recovering is Aitor Ruibal, who is progressing after knee surgery for a meniscus problem last May.

The session was further affected by international duty: Valentín Gómez (Argentina), Álvaro Fidalgo (Mexico), Abde (Morocco), Facundo Bernal (Uruguay), Troy Parrott (Ireland), Junior (Dominican Republic) and Ortiz (Spain U21) will be away for the next few days. Gio Lo Celso trained with the squad, but will travel to Argentina later for the farewell match for Leo Messi.