Pellegrini says ‘complicated’ knee injury is delaying Ezzalzouli’s Real Betis return

Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini says Morocco forward Abde Ezzalzouli has not yet fully recovered from a knee injury and remains unavailable for selection ahead of the club’s trip to Lille in the UEFA Champions League.

Ezzalzouli has missed Real Betis’ most recent matches because of continuing pain caused by the injury, according to Pellegrini. The Chilean manager said the player’s return to action would depend on how his condition develops over the coming days.

“Abde has not yet reached full recovery,” Pellegrini said, describing the knee problem as “complicated” and confirming that it continues to cause the forward noticeable discomfort.

The manager expressed his hope that Ezzalzouli can overcome the effects of the injury and regain his full fitness soon. Until then, the Morocco international will not be available for consideration in the Real Betis team or for involvement in the club’s upcoming competitions.

Ezzalzouli’s absence comes at an important stage of the season for Real Betis, who are preparing to play their first match in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League. They travel to face French club Lille on Tuesday evening.

Pellegrini’s comments indicate that Real Betis are taking a cautious approach to the player’s recovery rather than setting a specific date for his comeback. His involvement will be determined by whether the pain subsides and whether he makes sufficient progress in the days ahead.

The forward has therefore remained away from the squad while the club monitors his physical condition. Pellegrini’s update offers no firm timeframe for a return, but makes clear that Ezzalzouli has not yet reached the point at which he can be considered fully fit.

Real Betis will now assess the player’s progress as they prepare for the important European fixture. The decision on whether Ezzalzouli can resume training and return to match action will depend on his recovery from the knee problem.

Pellegrini said he wants the player to move beyond the injury’s consequences and return to his best level as soon as possible. For now, however, the issue continues to restrict Ezzalzouli and has kept him out of Real Betis’ recent games.