Giovani Lo Celso
BET
Available for UCL opener
Lo Celso (undisclosed) is on the squad list for Tuesday's game at Lille.
Analysis: Lo Celso wasn't fit enough to face Real Madrid last Friday, but manager Manuel Pellegrini had acknowledged that he could be an option "next week." Fast forward to the next game, and the playmaker is in the squad for the UCL opener, though it remains to be seen whether he'll see minutes. Still, having Lo Celso in the mix gives Betis another playmaking option in midfield alongside Pablo Fornals, Dani Ceballos and Isco (undisclosed).
Still not available Friday
Lo Celso (undisclosed) won't be an option for Friday's clash against Real Madrid, though he is getting closer, according to coach Manuel Pellegrini. "Lo Celso won't be in the squad list, maybe next week."
Analysis: Lo Celso had recently resumed team training after missing recent matches while working with the medical staff on a muscular issue, and his continued progress suggests his return to the squad is approaching. His path back to a regular role in midfield will be worth monitoring as Real Betis continues managing his reintegration.
Resumes team training
Lo Celso (undisclosed) resumed team training Friday but won't be an option for Saturday's clash against Levante, according to coach Manuel Pellegrini, per Zona Mixta.
Analysis: Lo Celso had missed the match against Valencia while continuing to work with the medical staff on a muscular issue, with coach Manuel Pellegrini previously saying he was not yet with the team. His return to full training now marks a significant step forward, positioning him to potentially reclaim his creative role in midfield in the coming games after missing recent league action.
Remains out
Lo Celso (muscular) will not be available for Tuesday's clash against Valencia as he continues to work with the medical staff, according to coach Manuel Pellegrini. "Lo Celso and Petit are not with the team yet. They continue working with the physios."
Analysis: Lo Celso will miss another league match after failing to return to team training ahead of Tuesday's contest. The midfielder remains limited to recovery work with the medical staff as he works his way back from a muscular issue. His creativity and ability to operate between the lines make him an important option in midfield, but his return will depend on when he is able to resume team training.
Confirmed absent for season opener
Lo Celso (muscular) will not be available for Betis's season opener against Real Sociedad after failing to train with the group ahead of the match, according to coach Manuel Pellegrini.
Analysis: Lo Celso's absence is a real blow for coach Manuel Pellegrini given the Argentine's importance in the creative zone, forcing the coach to rework his midfield for a demanding opening test. The club is being cautious with his physical situation, preferring not to take unnecessary risks so early in the season and choosing to wait until he's fully recovered before reintroducing him to competitive action. Lo Celso is expected to remain out until his fitness allows for a safe return, with Betis leaning on squad depth to maintain their attacking threat in his absence.
Managing muscular discomfort
Lo Celso (muscular) is reportedly dealing with muscular discomfort following his vacation, according to El Desmarque.
Analysis: Lo Celso has trained alone for several sessions and missed Saturday's friendly against Inter as a result, with the club framing the situation as part of a physical adaptation process rather than a specific injury, though fans have grown frustrated watching the midfielder remain apart from the group despite limited World Cup minutes. No official return date has been given, and each passing day makes it more complicated for the Argentine, a potential key piece for Betis' Champions League campaign, to be ready for the start of the season. Coach Manuel Pellegrini is expected to address the situation before the season opener.
Back in training after vacation
Lo Celso has returned to Real Betis following his vacation and trained at the Luis del Sol training city, according to Zona Mixta.
Analysis: Lo Celso made 24 LaLiga appearances last season, contributing two goals and three assists, and helped Argentina reach the World Cup final, scoring in the group stage win over Jordan and finishing the tournament two chances created as well. His return to training reinforces his stated preference to remain at Betis, even as his future continues to draw outside interest heading into the new season.
Scores direct free kick
Lo Celso scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), one cross (one accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 3-1 victory against Jordan.
Analysis: Lo Celso was Argentina's standout performer in Saturday's 3-1 win over Jordan, curling a precise free-kick into the corner in the first half to open the scoring, then adding one accurate cross, one interception, one tackle and two chances created across his 60 minutes. The midfielder became the first Argentina player other than Messi to score at this World Cup, and his set-piece delivery and creativity in tight spaces give Scaloni an important technical option heading into the round of 32 against Cape Verde. His set-piece delivery and creativity in tight spaces give coach Lionel Scaloni an important technical option heading into the round of 32 against Cape Verde.
Credited with assist
Lo Celso assisted once to go with one cross (zero accurate) and one corner in Friday's 1-1 draw versus Real Madrid.
Analysis: Lo Celso came off the bench in this draw but appeared at the perfect time for Betis, setting up Hector Bellerin's equalizer in stoppage time. As talented as Lo Celso is, he doesn't have a steady role in the lineup, which limits his fantasy upside overall. He should remain a bench option for the time being.
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