Real Betis receive major injury boost ahead of Manchester United clash

Real Betis and Spain's Sergio Canales

UEL Real Betis receive major injury boost ahead of Manchester United clash

Faruq Ibrahim 23:29 - 07.03.2023

Sergio Canales has been named in Real Betis squad to travel to Manchester United.

Real Betis have received a crucial injury boost ahead of their Europa League round of 16 first-leg clash against Manchester United, with Sergio Canales named on the travelling squad.

The 31-year-old was previously injured, missed Betis' 0-0 draw against Real Madrid in LaLiga, and is now set for a return to action. 

Betis name Canales

Real Betis released the list of players travelling to Old Trafford for the first-leg of their Europa League clash against the Red Devils today via their official channels.

Sergio Canales was a conspicuous addition, as he has missed the last two games for Real Betis, the thrilling 3-2 victory over Elche and the hard-fought draw against Real Madrid.

His absence from the clash against Manchester United was previously feared; however, the midfielder, who is arguably Real Betis' most creative player, is now more likely to participate.

Sergio Canales is one of the best midfielders in LaLiga
Sergio Canales is one of the best midfielders in LaLiga

Fekir unavailable against Manchester United

Canales' return is a major positive for Real Betis who would already miss star man, Nabil Fekir in both legs against Erik ten Hag's side, as he is ruled out for the rest of the season. 

The World Cup winner injured his left knee in the win over Elche, and Real Betis released a statement via their official channels confirming the player's unavailability in the near future.  Nabil Fekir suffered a hyperextension of his left knee in one of the last moves of the match against Elche CF last Friday," the club said.  

Nabil Fekir will miss clash against Manchester United
Nabil Fekir will miss clash against Manchester United

Tests carried out by Real Betis' medical services have confirmed that he has an anterior cruciate ligament injury in his knee.

"The player will have to undergo surgery in the coming days to resolve the injury, which means he will miss the rest of the season."

The Frenchman's injury has limited him to only 20 appearances this season; he is now set to miss what is left of the campaign in its entirety. Fekir has already missed 16 games for Real Betis due to injury since joining from Lyon in the summer of 2022.