Rayo Vallecano resumed training on Monday behind closed doors as they prepared for their crucial La Liga encounter against Real Betis, with mixed news emerging from the session.
While the return of midfielder Pathé Ciss provided a timely lift, uncertainty looms over Randy Nteka’s fitness, raising concerns his season may be over.
Senegalese international Ciss rejoined full training at the club’s Ciudad Deportiva base, just days after sustaining an injury during the match against Getafe.
His swift recovery has been welcomed by head coach Íñigo Pérez, as Rayo look to build momentum heading into the final weeks of the campaign.
Ciss’s presence in midfield is seen as vital in the team’s push for a potential European berth, and his participation in Monday’s session signals he may be available for selection against Betis.
The mood, however, was tempered by growing unease over Nteka’s continued absence. The Franco-Congolese forward, who was recently sidelined by injury, did not take part in training and has not featured since missing out on the squad for the recent clash with Las Palmas.
The club has yet to issue a formal statement on his condition, but his ongoing unavailability has prompted fears that his campaign may have come to a premature end.
With only three matches remaining, Rayo are clinging to hopes of securing a spot in next season’s UEFA Conference League.
Their 1-0 win over Las Palmas at the Estadio de Gran Canaria last week was a vital result, keeping them eighth in the La Liga standings with 47 points.
That narrow victory ensured the Madrid-based side remained in the race for continental football, albeit with little margin for error.
The return of Ciss, who has featured prominently in the midfield throughout the season, adds depth and experience at a pivotal moment.
His physical presence and tactical discipline have made him a mainstay in Pérez’s system, and his return could prove instrumental as Rayo prepare to face seventh-placed Betis on Thursday, May 15.
Betis, themselves battling for a European position, will pose a stern test. The match is expected to be a decisive fixture for both sides in determining who may secure a Conference League place.
For Rayo, a win is likely essential to keep their European aspirations alive, especially given the fierce competition from other mid-table teams.
As the squad returned to work after two days of rest, the absence of Nteka remained the only dark cloud. Having struggled with form and injuries throughout the campaign, the 26-year-old had been looking to make an impact in the closing fixtures.
Now, with no sign of an imminent return, there is growing speculation that his season may be effectively over.
With just a handful of points separating the sides chasing seventh place, Rayo’s next few performances will be crucial.
The squad’s ability to remain competitive without key figures like Nteka could determine whether their late-season push ends in triumph or disappointment.
For now, the focus shifts to Betis — and the growing hope that Ciss’s return might just tip the balance in Rayo Vallecano’s favour.
