Key Players’ Injuries Affect Betis’ Performance
The plague of injuries that Betis has faced in the first half of the season has had a significant impact on the team’s midfield. The absence of key players such as Johnny Cardoso, William Carvalho, Marc Roca, and Isco has disrupted the team’s functioning under Pellegrini. However, the absences of American pivot Johnny Cardoso and Pablo Fornals have perhaps affected the team’s plans the most.
Both players suffered muscle problems during the FIFA date in November. Johnny Cardoso’s injury occurred during training with his team, while Pablo Fornals’ injury happened during a work session before resuming domestic competition against Valencia in Mestalla. Their absence has forced the coaching staff to make significant adjustments, recruiting young players such as Mateo Flores and Carlos Guirao.
The Return of Key Players
Johnny Cardoso has recently returned to the team, playing a sensational game in the Conference against The Ceramics. He has regained his undisputed ownership in the double pivot. However, the team still needed to recover Pablo Fornals, a fundamental piece due to his versatility on the field.
The Versatility of Fornals
Pablo Fornals has offered interesting solutions to Pellegrini in various positions. He has played as a hook when Isco and Lo Celso were unavailable, dropped to the other side sporadically due to team needs, and delayed his position on the field to position himself next to one of the defensive pivots. This has allowed the team to have a more fluid release of the ball from behind, something that has been missing in recent weeks due to the accumulation of casualties.
Fornals had minutes again in the final stretch of the game against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, after a small setback in his recovery. With his return, the right wing or the play-creation zone gain alternatives. Having two weeks to get physically ready is great news for Betis and Pellegrini, facing the second half of the course with all objectives still within range.