Aitor Ruibal
BET
Back in squad after surgery
Ruibal (knee) is available off the bench for Wednesday's match against Feyenoord.
Analysis: Ruibal is back in contention after recovering from the knee injury that required surgery at the end of last season. He had remained out of the squad despite returning to training, but his inclusion now gives Manuel Pellegrini another versatile option. Ruibal could initially be eased back into action as he works toward full match sharpness.
Returns to squad against Feyenoord
Ruibal (knee) has been included in Real Betis' squad for Wednesday's Champions League clash against Feyenoord after recovering from a lengthy injury absence, according to the club.
Analysis: Ruibal is finally back in contention for competitive action after undergoing knee surgery at the end of last season. The versatile player has been training with his teammates for several weeks and appears to have fully recovered, although he had remained outside the matchday squad in recent fixtures, seemingly due to coaching decisions rather than ongoing fitness concerns. With Cucho Hernandez (calf) now sidelined, coach Manuel Pellegrini recently suggested that Ruibal could be considered as an additional attacking option, and his inclusion in Wednesday's squad confirms that he is ready to return. However, having yet to make his first competitive appearance of the 2026/27 campaign, Ruibal could initially be limited to a substitute role as he gradually rebuilds his match fitness. His return provides Betis with additional versatility and depth across several positions ahead of a busy stretch of fixtures.
Could return against Feyenoord
Ruibal (knee) could return to Real Betis' squad for Wednesday's Champions League clash against Feyenoord, according to coach Manuel Pellegrini, per Zona Mixta. "We need to replace Cucho, we'll see if Aitor steps in for him."
Analysis: Ruibal appears to have recovered from the knee injury that required surgery at the end of last season, having resumed team training several weeks ago. Although he has yet to make his first competitive appearance of the campaign, coach Pellegrini's latest comments suggest the player has likely been fit enough to feature for several matches but has remained outside the squad due to coaching decisions rather than ongoing fitness concerns. With Cucho Hernandez (calf) now sidelined by an injury, Ruibal could finally receive an opportunity to return to competitive action, potentially providing additional attacking depth. Coach Pellegrini acknowledged that he was considering Ruibal as an option to replace the injured striker, although his inclusion in the squad has yet to be confirmed. Given his lengthy absence from competitive football, Ruibal could initially be eased back into action rather than immediately taking on a significant workload.
Closing in on return to action
Ruibal (knee) remains out but has been making significant progress in his recovery from surgery, according to coach Manuel Pellegrini. "He has been training and has almost fully recovered from his knee injury."
Analysis: Ruibal is nearing his first competitive appearance of the season after undergoing knee surgery at the end of the previous campaign. The versatile winger recently resumed full team training following an extended rehabilitation period but was not included in the squad for Wednesday's Champions League clash against Porto. Manager Pellegrini's latest comments suggest Ruibal is now approaching full fitness and could soon be available for selection, providing Betis with an additional option across several positions. However, given his lengthy absence from competitive action, the coaching staff could initially manage his playing time carefully rather than immediately reintegrating him into the starting lineup.
Remains unavailable against Porto
Ruibal (knee) remains sidelined for Wednesday's Champions League clash against Porto despite recently resuming team training, according to the club.
Analysis: Ruibal continues to work his way back from knee surgery undergone at the end of last season, having recently rejoined his teammates following an extended rehabilitation period. The versatile winger was spotted participating in Tuesday's training session, raising hopes of a potential return, but he has yet to regain sufficient fitness to be considered for competitive action. His continued absence means he will have to wait longer to make his first appearance of the campaign. Ruibal will look to build on his recent progress in training, with no confirmed timetable established for his return.
Could return against Porto
Ruibal (knee) was spotted participating in team training Tuesday and could be available for Wednesday's Champions League clash against Porto, according to Zona Mixta.
Analysis: Ruibal continues to make progress in his recovery from knee surgery undergone at the end of last season, having recently resumed team training after an extended rehabilitation period. The versatile winger was ruled out of Sunday's 5-2 victory over Osasuna, with coach Manuel Pellegrini indicating he was not yet ready for competitive action. However, his participation in Tuesday's session suggests he is moving closer to making his season debut. Ruibal could be included in Wednesday's matchday squad if deemed fit enough, although a substitute role appears more likely given his lengthy absence and lack of competitive minutes.
Still unavailable
Ruibal (knee) remains unavailable for Sunday's La Liga clash against Osasuna despite recently returning to team training, according to coach Manuel Pellegrini. "He joined us today, but he is still not in condition to be called."
Analysis: Ruibal continues to make encouraging progress in his recovery from knee surgery undergone at the end of last season, having participated in Friday's team training session after alternating between individual and partial group work earlier in the week. However, Manager Pellegrini's latest comments indicate the versatile winger is not yet ready for competitive action, meaning he will have to wait longer to make his first appearance of the campaign.
Resumes team training Friday
Ruibal participated in team training Friday as he continues his recovery from knee surgery, according to Zona Mixta.
Analysis: Ruibal has taken another positive step in his rehabilitation after alternating between individual work and partial team sessions earlier in the week. The versatile winger has yet to make an appearance this season following knee surgery at the end of the previous campaign, and his return to group training suggests he is getting closer to full fitness. However, Sunday's La Liga clash against Osasuna could still come too soon, with the Oct. 17 matchup against Barcelona potentially offering a more realistic opportunity for his return.
Back to individual training
Ruibal (knee) has returned to individual training after briefly rejoining the group earlier in the week and is unlikely to be available for Sunday's La Liga clash against Osasuna, according to Deportes El Correo de Andalucia.
Analysis: Ruibal continues to work his way back from knee surgery undergone at the end of last season, with his return to individual work suggesting he's not yet ready to handle a full training workload. The versatile winger has yet to make an appearance this season and was recently spotted participating in portions of team training, marking an encouraging step in his rehabilitation. However, Sunday's matchup against Osasuna appears likely to come too soon, with the Oct. 17 clash against Barcelona potentially providing a more realistic opportunity for his return if he makes further progress.
Starts session with teammates
Ruibal began Tuesday's team training session with his teammates, continuing the progressive process he started last week after his long knee recovery, according to Deporte El Correo de Andalucia.
Analysis: Ruibal has yet to play this season, having recovered from the knee operation he underwent at the end of last season. Joining group work is a clear step toward full availability, and he could be an option for Sunday's match against Osasuna, though Betis could also hold him back until the Oct. 17 match against Barcelona to be cautious.
Trains with teammates
Ruibal (knee) has trained with his teammates and could be making a return soon, according to Manu Colchon of Diario de Sevilla.
Analysis: Ruibal is on the road to recovery after getting back on grass this week, with the attacker taking a further step by training with his teammates for portions of Wednesday's training. This should mean he joins full training soon and makes a return to play, likely to come within the next few weeks. It could be that he is an option to play following the break when facing Osasuna on Oct. 11, although they could postpone his return until the Oct. 17 match against Barcelona to be cautious.
Advances in recovery, back on grass
Ruibal (knee) is advancing in his recovery, putting his boots back on and doing work on the grass apart from the group on Thursday, according to Zona Mixta.
Analysis: Ruibal has already missed the first matches of the season, and this progress now marks a positive step forward in his path back to full training. His timeline for a competitive debut remains unclear, but this development gives Real Betis a more encouraging outlook as his recovery continues.
Still in recovery
Ruibal (knee) is still in recovery for the time being, according to Zona Mixta.
Analysis: Ruibal has already missed the first three La Liga games of the season, and his continued absence pushes back his 2026/27 LaLiga debut further. His next opportunity to feature would likely come in a few weeks, though his timeline for a return remains unclear as Real Betis continues managing his recovery.
Not playing Tuesday
Ruibal (knee) is not in the squad for Tuesday's clash against Valencia.
Analysis: Ruibal wasn't in the squad for the season opener against Real Sociedad, and he's not fit yet to make his 2026/27 LaLiga debut. When healthy, Ruibal should compete for playing time at either right-back or right wing. However, it's unclear when he'll be able to play. His next chance to suit up will come against Levante on Saturday.
Ruled out of season opener
Ruibal (knee) will be sidelined for Friday's match against Real Sociedad due to injury, according to coach Manuel Pellegrini.
Analysis: Ruibal's absence continues a stretch that has seen him miss training with the group for an extended period, having already been left out of preseason friendlies. His original target of being ready for the season opener has evidently not been met, given his continued absence from team sessions. Ruibal is expected to keep working toward a return once he's able to resume training normally with his teammates.
Still not training
Ruibal (knee) didn't train Friday and is not expected to be an option for Saturday's friendly match against Almeria, according to ZonaMixta.
Analysis: Ruibal didn't play in Wednesday's friendly win over Lyon and didn't train Thursday and Friday, so he's not expected to be in the squad to face Almeria. Ruibal's involvement in preseason has been minimal, but the midfielder's goal is to be ready to play for the season opener against Real Sociedad on Aug. 21.
Set for Marbella training camp
Ruibal (knee) has been named among Real Betis' players for the upcoming camp in Marbella, the club announced.
Analysis: Ruibal underwent surgery on the external meniscus of his right knee that ended his previous season early, a decision made after managing the same issue conservatively since first tearing it three years earlier. He closed out that campaign with five goals, three assists and a career high 58 clearances across all competitions, contributing to Betis' Champions League qualification despite the physical toll. His place in the group for this camp points to continued progress in his recovery. Ruibal is expected to keep building toward full training as preseason continues.
Undergoes successful surgery
Ruibal (knee) has undergone successful surgery on the external meniscus of his right knee, bringing his season to an end, according to Zona Mixta.
Analysis: Ruibal revealed in a heartfelt social media letter that he had been managing the same meniscus issue since suffering a tear three years ago, with the decision made this time to operate rather than pursue the conservative treatment that had worked previously. The Real Betis captain ends a season he described as incredible on a personal level, having contributed to the club's Champions League qualification despite the physical and mental challenges that came with managing the knee throughout the campaign. Ruibal contributed five goals, three assists, 28 chances created, 69 tackles, and a career high 58 clearances across all competitions before the surgical intervention, and the focus will now shift entirely to his rehabilitation ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Knee surgery ends season
Ruibal (knee) will undergo surgery Friday to address a problem with the external meniscus of his right knee, ending his season, according to Zona Mixta.
Analysis: Ruibal has been managing the meniscus issue and will now go under the knife to resolve it, bringing an end to what had been a strong campaign for the versatile midfielder. The Spaniard contributed five goals and three assists across all competitions this season, proving valuable in multiple roles including right-back and winger. Hector Bellerin is expected to cover at right-back for the remainder of the season in his absence. No return timeline has been established beyond the current campaign, with the recovery from meniscus surgery typically requiring several weeks before a player can return to full training.
Back from suspension
Ruibal is no longer suspended and is an option moving forward for the club.
Analysis: Ruibal has served his suspension following a red card against Real Sociedad in the last match and is set to return in the next contest. The versatile full-back had been a starter prior to his suspension and is expected to regain a starting role against Barcelona on Sunday.
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