Abdessamad Ezzalzouli misses Real Betis squad for Champions League opener

Abdessamad Ezzalzouli has been left out of the Real Betis squad for their Champions League meeting with Lille, extending the Morocco international’s uncertain start to the club’s European campaign.

Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini announced his selection on Sunday for Tuesday evening’s opening fixture in the league phase of the Champions League. Ezzalzouli was not included in the group travelling for the match, despite the squad featuring several of the Spanish club’s leading players.

Isco, Giovani Lo Celso, Antony and Dani Ceballos are among those selected for the game against Lille.

Ezzalzouli’s omission comes after he also missed Real Betis’ most recent La Liga match, a meeting with Real Madrid in the final round of fixtures. The 23-year-old was unavailable for that game because of a viral infection.

The Morocco international had only recently returned to action after overcoming earlier physical problems. He came on for a few minutes during Real Betis’ previous match against Levante, appearing to have moved back towards full fitness.

However, the viral infection has since disrupted his progress and prevented him from remaining with Pellegrini’s squad. His latest absence means the winger will not be involved as Real Betis begin their European schedule against Lille.

Pellegrini’s selection includes a number of attacking and midfield options, but Ezzalzouli will now have to wait for another opportunity to re-establish himself in the manager’s plans.

The player is hoping to overcome the setback quickly and regain his fitness so he can return to contention for upcoming matches. That prospect will be particularly important as Real Betis balance their domestic commitments with their involvement in European competition.

For now, Ezzalzouli’s latest absence leaves his immediate role at the club unclear. Having returned briefly against Levante before being sidelined again, he must recover from the viral infection before he can challenge for another place in the squad.

Real Betis’ match with Lille is scheduled for Tuesday evening and represents their first fixture in the league phase of this season’s Champions League. The Spanish side’s confirmed squad was published ahead of the game, with Ezzalzouli absent from the list.