The wait is over for Ángel Ortiz and the Betis fans, as the club has finally confirmed the extent of the injury he suffered in the match against Real Sociedad. After undergoing a series of tests and examinations on Monday, the young right-back has been diagnosed with a Grade II post-traumatic sprain of the external ligament in his right ankle. This is a significant blow for the team, especially considering Ortiz’s impressive performance in the game, where he put in a remarkable shift both in defense and attack.
Ortiz had been rested for the Conference League match on Thursday but returned to the starting lineup for the crucial game against Real Sociedad, a direct rival in the fight for a European spot. His performance was outstanding, but it was cut short when he had to leave the field due to the injury. The incident occurred when Ortiz arrived at a ball on the right side of his team’s attack and received a harsh tackle from Becker, which initially earned the Real Sociedad player a yellow card. However, after a VAR review, the referee decided to upgrade the sanction to a direct red card.
The aftermath of the incident
The red card given to Becker will result in a two-match suspension, which could impact Real Sociedad’s upcoming games. Meanwhile, Betis will have to cope without Ortiz for a few weeks, although the timing of the injury could have been worse. The team has just been boosted by the return of Sabaly, who has recovered from his muscle problem, and Aitor Ruibal, who has overcome a strong ankle sprain suffered earlier in the year. These returns will provide some comfort for manager Pellegrini, but Ortiz will still be missed, and the young player will have to work hard to regain his place in the team when he returns to full fitness.
Ortiz’s injury is a setback, but it also presents an opportunity for other players to step up and claim a spot in the team. The club will be hoping that Ortiz can make a speedy recovery and return to the pitch soon, where he can continue to showcase his skills and personality. For now, though, the focus will be on supporting the young player through his rehabilitation and ensuring that the team can cope without him in the short term.