Isco
BET
Provides assist in comeback
Isco assisted once to go with three shots (zero on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Tuesday's 3-2 win over Lille.
Analysis: Isco created three chances, including the free-kick delivery that Marc Bartra headed home for Betis' second equalizer shortly after halftime. He also attempted three shots before making way for Alvaro Fidalgo in the 61st minute. Tuesday marked Isco's third consecutive start across all competitions, and his combination of set-piece responsibility and chance creation should continue to make him a central part of Betis' attack.
Starting vs. Lille
Isco (undisclosed) is in the starting lineup for Tuesday's UCL match against Lille.
Analysis: Isco was expected to be a game-time call for Tuesday merely due to workload-related issues, but the playmaker will start in his regular No. 10 role in Betis' 4-2-3-1 scheme. This means Pablo Fornals will slot into central midfield next to Facundo Bernal.
Uncertain for UCL opener
Isco is uncertain for the UCL opener against Lille on Tuesday, according to manager Manuel Pellegrini. "We'll see what happens with him over the next 24 hours. We need to know how to handle his workload, so we haven't decided whether he'll start, come off the bench or rest. We'll discuss it with the coaching and medical staff."
Analysis: It seems Pellegrini is simply trying to protect Isco from suffering another injury, and it's unclear whether he's ready to play on a quick turnaround given that Betis last played Friday. A game-time call will be made regarding his availability, and if Isco is unable to start, look for Pablo Fornals to operate in a more advanced, central role as the No. 10.
Set to make squad despite limited fitness
Isco is still recovering from a long term injury but is expected to be included in the squad for the season opener against Real Sociedad, according to coach Manuel Pellegrini. "Isco is recovering, it's been a long injury. He's pushed himself to arrive in the best possible shape for the first match. He might not be ready for 90 minutes, but he'll be on the list."
Analysis: Isco has logged around 150 minutes across preseason, playing 45 minutes in each of his last three friendlies, including a strong showing against Arsenal where he hit the post before Cucho Hernandez's goal. That progress has helped fuel optimism even as manager Manuel Pellegrini continues to manage his workload carefully. Isco is expected to feature in a limited capacity given his fitness is still building, though his importance as the club's primary offensive orchestrator makes any minutes he gets significant. His inclusion in the squad marks a positive step after such a lengthy layoff.
Racing to be ready for opener
Isco is racing against the clock to be ready for the season opener against Real Sociedad, with coach Manuel Pellegrini admitting he'll be far from full fitness even as his progress inspires optimism, according to Elmira.
Analysis: Isco has played 110 minutes across preseason so far, missing the first four friendlies while following a specific training program before making his debut against Almeria and later playing 45 minutes each against Arsenal and Bournemouth, entering as a substitute each time. He left a strong impression against Arsenal, hitting the post before Cucho Hernandez's goal. Manager Manuel Pellegrini has stressed caution, noting Isco, Ez Abde and Cucho are unlikely to be at full fitness for the opener, though he called preseason overall very positive. Isco's leadership as the club's primary offensive orchestrator makes his availability significant, and Wednesday's friendly against Inter will be key in determining whether he earns a starting nod against Real Sociedad.
Appears off bench in friendly
Isco (undisclosed) featured as a substitute during an offseason meeting with Almeria.
Analysis: Isco was finally able to see minutes on the pitch following his return to full training earlier in the week. The experienced midfielder has been forced to long-term absences over the last couple of seasons, so it could be a matter of regaining physical form and momentum before he can compete for a consistent role. If he stays fit for upcoming weeks, he could hold plenty of attacking upside given his status as a clever distributor and a possible set-piece taker. On the other hand, his inclusion would relegate Giovani Lo Celso and Alvaro Fidalgo to either substitute or more defensive spots in midfield.
Training normally
Isco (undisclosed) trained normally Friday and could be an option for Saturday's friendly match against Almeria, according to ZonaMixta.
Analysis: Isco didn't play against Lyon on Wednesday, but the playmaker was seen training with the ball Thursday and Friday, meaning he should be able to log some minutes in the upcoming friendly. Isco has been training under a specific regime with a clear goal -- to be 100 percent fit for Betis' opener against Real Sociedad on Aug. 21.
Trains with ball post-match
Isco (undisclosed) is training with Real Betis Thursday, taking part with the ball in the post friendly match session alongside the substitutes, according to Zona Mixta.
Analysis: Isco had been following a specific regime away from the group and was left out of the squad entirely for the friendly against Lyon, continuing a cautious approach from Betis that has also kept him out of the match against Granada. His involvement in this post match session with the ball is a positive step forward, though it remains unclear when he will be cleared to feature in an actual preseason friendly, with the club's next match set for Saturday against Almeria.
Not playing vs. Lyon
Isco (undisclosed) is training with a specific regime away from the group and wasn't in the squad for Wednesday's friendly match against Lyon, according to El Desmarque.
Analysis: Isco didn't play the friendly against Granada either, and the approach is clear -- Betis aren't willing to take any risks with their star playmaker. Isco remains with the rest of the squad in Marbella, but it remains to be seen when he'll get into a pre-season friendly. Betis' next match is scheduled for Saturday against Almeria.
Named in squad for Marbella
Isco (fitness) is named in the squad for Real Betis' upcoming training camp in Marbella, the club announced.
Analysis: Isco had been left out of training and missed the friendly against Granada as part of a cautious approach given lingering discomfort that has yet to fully clear up. His inclusion in the traveling group for the camp is a positive sign in his gradual reintegration, though a full return to match action is expected to come further down the line. The midfielder has repeatedly said his priority this preseason is playing without pain. Isco is expected to continue building up his fitness during the training camp.
Not training, out for friendly
Isco (fitness) is not training with Real Betis and will be out for Saturday's friendly against Granada CF, according to Zona Mixta.
Analysis: Isco had already been left out of an earlier preseason friendly against Recreativo Huelva as part of a precautionary approach after missing several training sessions, with lingering discomfort yet to fully clear up. He has repeatedly said his priority this preseason is playing without pain, so the club continues to take a cautious approach with his reintegration, and his first appearance in a friendly is expected to come further down the line as he is gradually reintroduced into match action.
Absent, precautionary plan
Isco was left out of Betis' squad for the Trofeo Colombino against Recreativo Huelva as part of a precautionary approach, according to El Desmarque.
Analysis: Isco missed several training sessions following a trip to Spain, and the club does not want to rush his return to full fitness. The midfielder has repeatedly said his priority this preseason is playing without pain, and lingering discomfort has yet to fully clear up. His plan calls for training sessions alongside teammates before facing outside opposition, meaning his first friendly involvement is more likely to come against Granada or Lyon rather than this weekend. Isco is expected to be gradually reintroduced into match action over the coming days.
Trains fully without issues
Isco (personal) trains in full without issues and is fit for the new 2026/27 La Liga season, according to Zona Mixta.
Analysis: Isco's clean bill of health is an encouraging sign given his recent run of fibula fractures and ankle surgery that have disrupted his recent seasons. His full participation in training marks a positive step after briefly missing time for personal reasons, and this preseason continues to be viewed as key in defining his role, with his workload over the coming weeks the real test of where he stands physically.
Absent for friendly, back Monday
Isco will miss the preseason friendly due to personal reasons but is expected to rejoin training Monday, though he is still managing some pain, according to Diario de Sevilla.
Analysis: Isco's preseason so far has been a mix of encouraging and cautious signs. The positive is that he has reportedly made a strong first impression, looking indistinguishable from fully fit teammates in early training. The caution is that he is still dealing with some pain and ongoing treatment, a detail that matters given his recent run of fibula fractures and ankle surgery. His early departure from the squad's training camp was due to a family matter, not related to his fitness, and he is set to rejoin the group on Monday. With this preseason described as key to defining his role, his workload over the next several weeks will be the real test of where he stands physically.
Doubtful for friendly
Isco left Betis' training camp Thursday to attend a personal matter and is doubtful for the friendly match against Lotte on Saturday, according to Pablo Sanchez of Zona Mixta.
Analysis: The reasons behind Isco's departure are not known, other than that he had to deal with a personal matter, and it wouldn't be surprising if he doesn't play in the club's opening friendly. Betis will play seven friendlies before their 2026/27 LaLiga debut against Real Sociedad on Aug. 21.
Nets in loss
Isco scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and two corners in Sunday's 3-1 loss against Barcelona.
Analysis: Isco scored the lone Betis goal during Sunday's loss, making the most of his only shot on goal during the match. It was a day to forget as they just couldn't pose any sort of threat for the newly-minted champions. Isco has one match left against Levante to close out the campaign.
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