Real Betis boost as Argentina star likely to overcome pre-Rangers injury

Real Betis have been handed a pre-Rangers Europa League injury boost surrounding centre-back German Pezzella.

There had been major injury concerns surrounding the Argentina international, 32, after Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini confirmed a hamstring problem at the weekend.

German Pezzella was subbed off during the Real Betis La Liga clash with Almeria, Chilean manager Pellegrini putting it down to “discomfort” in the player’s hamstring.

However, reports coming out in Spain appear to suggest it’s good news for Real Betis and German Pezzella ahead of the Europa League visit of Rangers.

German Pezzella to return ahead of Rangers clash
Whilst the defender is set to miss the midweek Copa Del Rey clash with Villanovense, Spanish journalist Gonzalo Tortosa is claiming the defender should be available for the weekend’s clash with Real Madrid.

This, in theory, would suggest that the experienced centre-back would be available to face Rangers for Real Betis in the Europa League.

“Pezzella has some discomfort but will have a couple of days of rest and is expected to be available for Saturday against Real Madrid,” said Tortosa.

German Pezzella has started all five of Real Betis’ Europa League games to date and any absence would’ve been sorely felt against Rangers.

Not least because the Spanish side sold Luiz Felipe to the Saudi Pro League for £21.5m after the European transfer window had closed.

Real Betis decider in Europa League
Rangers are gearing up for a Group C decider when they visit Real Betis in the Europa League next week.

After the Ibrox side’s 1-1 draw with Aris Limassol – a result which failed to guarantee qualification for the knockout round of the tournament – it has set matchday six up for an explosive encounter.

Sparta Prague’s victory over Real Betis in the Czech Republic means that Rangers must beat Real Betis – in which case they’d top the group – or match Sparta’s result to qualify.

The Czech club are set to visit Aris Limassol and will fancy their chances of qualification with Rangers manager Philippe Clement already pointing to the buffer of the Europa Conference League.

With German Pezzella now set to be involved, the club’s task just got a little harder but for those of a Rangers persuasion, we’re well used to that by now.