Junior Firpo
BET
Comes off bench vs. Inter Milan
Firpo (thigh) came off the bench in Saturday's 1-0 friendly loss to Inter Milan.
Analysis: Firpo entered the game in the 73rd minute and logged some much-needed minutes before the start of the season after spending time on the sidelines in the preseason. The left-back should be healthy enough to be an option for Betis when LaLiga starts against Real Sociedad on Friday. Aug. 21.
Named in squad vs. Inter Milan
Firpo (thigh) is included in Real Betis' squad for Saturday's friendly against Inter Milan, according to the club.
Analysis: Firpo had requested a substitution in the second half of the draw with Bournemouth after feeling a twinge in his thigh, though tests subsequently ruled out any tear or significant injury, confirming it as nothing more than muscular overload discomfort. He had been pressured to depart the club this summer, but Real Betis has since announced it isn't pursuing any other left back, meaning Firpo should remain with the squad this season even as he battles for playing time behind Fran Garcia in the pecking order. His inclusion in this matchday squad points to a clean bill of health heading into the campaign.
Dealing with thigh issue
Firpo requested a substitution in the second half of the draw with Bournemouth after feeling a twinge in his thigh, but tests have ruled out any tear or significant injury, according to Info Real Betis.
Analysis: Firpo's underwhelming showing in that match, including a costly mistake in buildup that led to Bournemouth's second goal, has already sparked questions about his place behind Fran Garcia in the pecking order at left back, with coach Manuel Pellegrini known to rotate heavily given the added demands of Champions League football this season. The issue has been confirmed as nothing more than muscular overload discomfort, meaning Firpo should be available for the start of the season. The positive medical update at least takes injury concerns out of the equation, leaving his path to regular minutes largely dependent on form as Real Betis gears up for the 2026/27 campaign.
Back available Saturday
Firpo (undisclosed) trained all week with the team and is an option for Saturday's clash against Real Sociedad, according to Zona Mixta.
Analysis: Firpo had been ruled out since late March while building his fitness back up, but completing a full week of training is the clearest sign yet that he is ready to return to the matchday squad. The left-back has missed seven consecutive matches and will likely ease back in from the bench rather than jumping straight into the starting lineup, but his availability gives coach Manuel Pellegrini more options on the left flank heading into the final fixtures of Real Betis's season.
Still not an option
Firpo (undisclosed) remains unavailable and is not yet ready to return, with next week shaping up as a more realistic target, according to coach Manuel Pellegrini, per Zona Mixta. "Let's hope Junior is at 100% next week."
Analysis: Firpo had returned to team training this week, raising hopes of a return for the Oviedo fixture, but the club has decided he needs more time before being considered for the matchday squad. The left-back has missed six consecutive matches across all competitions and will continue to build his fitness over the coming sessions before pushing for a return to the rotation in the final stretch of the season.
Back in partial training
Firpo (undisclosed) returned to partial team training Tuesday and could be set for a return for Sunday's clash against Real Oviedo, according to Zona Mixta.
Analysis: Firpo missed the last six games across all competition with Betis due to an injury but his progression to partial sessions is an encouraging step forward. The left-back figures to remain a rotational option at best given the form issues that have hampered him throughout the campaign since returning from Leeds United, but his return to the training pitch gives Real Betis another available option heading into the final stretch of the season.
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