Real Betis faces the Copa del Rey without the presence of its Brazilian winger, Antony, who has been forced to remain in Seville after a viral process. The absence of the player, who had been called up by coach Manuel Pellegrini, reduces the number of available players to 23 for the match against Navalcarnero, which will be held at 9:00 p.m. at the Santo Domingo stadium in Alcorcón.
Betis had planned to travel to Madrid at 11:30 a.m., fly to the stadium and return by plane after the match. Pellegrini's initial call included 24 players, but Antony's loss, along with Facundo Bernal's suspension and Cucho Hernández's injury, had already left the team with 23 players. Junior Firpo has returned to training with the group, although he is not yet considered fit for the match, and player Ian Forns, from Betis Deportivo, is also not included in the squad.
Among the positive developments, the inclusion of Iker Losada stands out, who has not participated in the season to date. The coach could take advantage of the opportunity to give his first official match as a Betis player to Diego Conde, who has only played two friendlies and is recovering from an injury. Aitor Ruibal also aspires to get his first minutes in the competition and could take a place in the starting eleven. Losada, for his part, could make his debut during the meeting.
The probable lineup, according to Pellegrini's instructions, would include Diego Conde in goal, with Bellerín, Bartra, Valentín Gómez and Fran García in defense; Dani Ceballos and Fidalgo in midfield; and Morante, Lo Celso, Riquelme and Aitor Ruibal up front. From the bench, the coach will have Manu González, Álvaro Valles, Ángel Ortiz, Llorente, Natan, Marc Roca, Fornals, Deossa, Isco, Losada, Abde and Troy Parrott.
Betis, without Antony and with a slightly reduced squad, will enter the stadium with the hope of advancing in the competition and giving the opportunity to young and recovering players. The result of the match will decide if the team manages to maintain its position in the Copa del Rey and if the players who are appearing for the first time in the tournament manage to impress the public and the coaching staff.