Marc Bartra trains with the group as Betis regroup vs Osasuna

Marc Bartra trained with the Betis group on Wednesday and showed that the discomfort that forced him off in the team’s last LaLiga match at Riazor against Deportivo de la Coruña is fully behind him. After several days working separately, the Catalan centre-back is aiming to be available for the weekend’s return after the international break, with Osasuna the opponent at La Cartuja.

His comeback also helps ease a defensive headache caused by Junior Firpo. The full-back has an adductor injury and is set to miss at least three weeks, right as a busy run of fixtures begins across league, cup and Champions League. With Firpo out, Pellegrini can keep his rotation plan without overloading Valentín Gómez.

Bartra’s form is part of the boost: he is Betis’ top scorer with three goals—two in the Champions League vs Lille and one in the domestic competition. His contract expires on June 30, and he wants to earn an extension on the pitch.