Pellegrini counted three victims before the visit to the Power Horse Stadium. The coach faced a challenging lineup obstacle as Real Betis prepared to travel to Almería for an important LaLiga clash. Even with momentum on their side, key absences clouded the squad’s rhythm heading into matchday 15.
Nabil Fekir stands out as the most notable omission for Betis. The French playmaker returned to action nine months after an ankle or hip-related issue only to be forced off again during a Europa League meeting with Sparta in Prague last Thursday. While the initial impression suggested the problem might be minor, a hip impact combined with a subsequent muscle discomfort has kept him out for a window of weeks. Pellegrini spoke at the pre-match press conference, explaining that although the issue did not appear severely serious at first, the injury has proven persistent enough to sideline Fekir for roughly two weeks. This removes a central technical conduit from Betis, limiting their creativity in the attacking third and requiring adjustments across the front line.
William Carvalho and Rodri Sánchez also miss the trip to Almería due to muscle injuries. While neither setback is described as career-threatening, both players are dealing with strains that prevent them from contributing at the required level for the upcoming fixture. The absence of these two midfielders further reshapes Betis’ midfield balance, potentially forcing a shift toward a more compact shape or a greater reliance on other playmakers who can offer control and progression from deep positions.
BETIS OPTICS VERSUS ALMERÍA ON MATCHDAY 15
The fixture poses a test for Betis as they aim to maintain consistency in a competitive LaLiga landscape. With Fekir out and Carvalho and Rodri sidelined, the team will need to recalibrate its approach to sustain attacking threat and defensive solidity. The absence of a primary creator like Fekir reduces the immediate danger in transition, but it also increases the responsibility on other players to unlock compact defenses. Betis followers will be watching how the tactical plan adapts, whether a different playmaking configuration emerges, and which teammates step forward to shoulder more responsibility in the final third.
In such situations, managers often lean on alternative types of contributors. A more direct approach from wide players, increased overlaps from fullbacks, and a willingness to vary the tempo can all help mitigate the lack of their usual captain in the center of the park. The coach may also experiment with a slightly altered front three, seeking combinations that maintain pressing intensity while preserving ball retention in dangerous zones. For supporters, the question remains whether the squad can sustain their pressing game and build meaningful chances without the regular orchestrator of attacks, especially against a team that tends to be organized and difficult to break down.
From a broader perspective, this is an example of how a single injury wave can ripple through a squad. When a trusted creator and two versatile midfielders are unavailable, every tactical contingency becomes vital. The staff likely reviewed training data and recent match footage to identify players who can replicate some of Fekir’s offensive instincts and Carvalho and Rodri’s engine in midfield. The objective is to preserve Betis’ balance and maintain competitive intensity while the medical team works to accelerate rehabilitation over the coming days. This approach is essential for teams aiming to secure points away from home where pressure can mount quickly and scoring opportunities are precious. Goal has reported that the concern around Fekir’s status was acute, but the club remains optimistic about a speedy, measured return for the squad’s broader unit.
Analysts will also be watching for adjustments in defensive organization. When the creative core is diminished, teams often rely more on collective shape, disciplined pressing, and careful ball circulation to avoid exposing defensive fragility. Betis’ coaching staff may emphasize compact lines, quicker transitions, and higher work rate from the midfield unit to compensate for the absence of their primary playmaker. The result could be a game decided by small margins, where set-piece prowess, counter-pressing efficiency, and the ability to exploit limited opportunities become decisive factors. The potential for a tactical shift underlines the depth a squad must have to cope with injuries and maintain performance across a demanding LaLiga campaign.
As Betis heads to Almería, fans will be keen to see which players seize the moment and how the team adapts its plan to maintain consistency in league standings. The pressure to deliver away from home, where the atmosphere can be unforgiving, adds another layer to the challenge. The medical and coaching staff will monitor responses to treatments and training sessions, aiming to optimize recovery timelines while ensuring a cohesive, functional lineup for the weekend’s crucial test against a determined opponent. Reports from Goal highlight the ongoing assessment of Fekir’s condition and the broader squad impact as the season progresses.