Morocco’s Abde Ezzalzouli misses Arsenal test as Betis prioritise full recovery

Morocco forward Abde Ezzalzouli has been left out of Real Betis’ squad for Wednesday’s pre-season friendly against Arsenal in Dublin as he continues his recovery from the knee injury that ruled him out of the 2026 World Cup.

The 24-year-old remained in Seville to continue an individual rehabilitation programme supervised by the club’s medical staff, with Betis opting against rushing his return ahead of the new La Liga campaign.

No date has yet been set for Ezzalzouli’s comeback, with the Spanish side determined to ensure the Moroccan regains full fitness before returning to competitive action.

Betis take cautious approach

Ezzalzouli’s absence means he will miss Betis’ historic first senior-team fixture in Dublin, where Manuel Pellegrini’s side face Arsenal at the Aviva Stadium on 5 August.

The match is one of Betis’ final preparations before the start of the domestic season, with Bournemouth due to visit La Cartuja three days later in what is expected to be the club’s last pre-season outing.

While the winger returned to Betis’ training camp in July and travelled with the squad to Marbella, he has continued to work separately as part of a carefully managed recovery programme.

Club officials are unwilling to take risks with one of their key attacking players and will only reintegrate him into full training once he receives medical clearance.

World Cup dream ended by knee injury

Ezzalzouli suffered the injury during Morocco’s pre-World Cup friendly against Norway in New Jersey on 7 June when defender Chadi Riad accidentally fell onto his right knee.

Medical examinations later confirmed a moderate sprain of the medial collateral ligament in his right knee, an injury that ultimately forced him to miss the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The Moroccan international began his rehabilitation at a specialist sports injury centre in Lyon before continuing treatment in Seville under the supervision of Betis’ medical team.

Key player for club and country

The setback comes after Ezzalzouli enjoyed the most productive season of his career since joining Betis from Barcelona in 2023.

The winger registered 15 goals and 12 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions during the 2025-26 campaign, including 10 goals and eight assists in La Liga.

With the new season fast approaching, both Betis and Morocco will be hoping the attacker can complete his recovery and rediscover the form that made him one of African football’s standout performers last season.