Fit-again Morocco star Abdel Samad Ezzalzouli returns to Real Betis squad for Villarreal clash

Moroccan international Abdel Samad Ezzalzouli has returned to the Real Betis squad for Monday’s La Liga clash against Villarreal after recovering from injury.

The winger has been included in the squad for the fifth round of the Spanish top-flight campaign, providing a boost to Real Betis ahead of the important fixture.

Ezzalzouli was forced to miss Betis’ previous league encounter against Real Madrid after falling ill. His condition was serious enough to keep him away from training for a period, but he has since recovered and returned to full group activities.

His inclusion against Villarreal could give head coach Manuel Pellegrini another attacking option as Betis look to strengthen their position in the early stages of the La Liga season.

The 24-year-old has endured a difficult period in recent months due to injury and illness, limiting his involvement with the club.

Ezzalzouli’s first appearance for Betis this season came in the third round against Levante, marking his return to competitive action after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

His absence had initially been caused by an injury suffered while representing Morocco in an international friendly against Norway in June. The setback ruled him out of the early part of Betis’ league campaign and delayed his return to club football.

After finally recovering from the injury, Ezzalzouli made his comeback against Levante and began working his way back into the Betis setup.

However, his progress was interrupted again when illness forced him to miss the meeting with Real Madrid.

His return to the squad for the Villarreal game will therefore come as encouraging news for both the player and the club, particularly as Betis look to have their key attacking players available during a demanding period of the season.

Ezzalzouli will now hope to build on his return and gradually regain his rhythm, with regular playing time expected to be important for him as he seeks to return to his best form.

The Moroccan winger remains an important attacking option for Betis because of his pace, dribbling ability and capacity to create opportunities in one-on-one situations.

His return also comes at a time when competition for places in the Betis attack is intensifying, meaning Ezzalzouli will need to make the most of every opportunity presented to him.

For now, his inclusion in the squad against Villarreal represents another positive step in his recovery as he looks to put his recent injury and illness problems behind him and establish himself once again in the Real Betis team.