Abde Ezzalzouli makes encouraging return as Morocco star targets Real Betis comeback

Morocco international Abde Ezzalzouli has returned to full training with Real Betis after overcoming renewed concerns over his troublesome knee.

The 24-year-old completed Thursday’s training session with his teammates as Manuel Pellegrini’s side resumed work following their impressive 3-2 Champions League victory away to Lille.

Ezzalzouli’s return provides a boost for both Betis and Morocco after the winger endured a difficult recovery from a knee injury that previously ruled him out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ezzalzouli trains without knee protection

According to El Chiringuito, Ezzalzouli took part in Thursday’s session without the visible knee bandage he had been wearing, suggesting an improvement in his condition.

Estadio Deportivo also reported that the Moroccan was involved in the full group session as Pellegrini received encouraging news regarding several players who had been managing fitness issues.

The development comes just days after the Betis manager revealed that Ezzalzouli was still suffering discomfort from the injury.

“Abde is not yet 100% recovered,” the Chilean coach said before the match against Lille. “It is a complicated knee injury that causes him a lot of discomfort, but we hope he will be fully recovered in the coming days.”

The Morocco international was subsequently left out of the squad for Betis’ Champions League victory in France.

Moroccan winger endured difficult recovery

Ezzalzouli’s fitness problems date back to a knee ligament sprain suffered shortly before the 2026 World Cup, which ultimately prevented him from joining Morocco’s squad for the tournament.

He spent much of the summer following an individual rehabilitation programme before gradually stepping up his recovery and returning to team training in August.

His initial involvement with the Betis squad was carefully managed, with the club limiting his workload as he continued his rehabilitation.

Ezzalzouli eventually returned to competitive action against Levante in late August, marking his first appearance of the season.

However, his progress was interrupted when a viral illness ruled him out of Betis’ 1-0 victory over Real Madrid before renewed knee discomfort prevented him from travelling to France for the Champions League meeting with Lille.

Villarreal return now in sight

Thursday’s full training session represents another positive stage in Ezzalzouli’s recovery, although Betis have yet to confirm whether he is ready to return to competitive action.

Pellegrini’s team have several more training sessions before Monday’s LaLiga meeting with Villarreal, giving the Morocco international additional time to demonstrate that he is ready to return to the matchday squad.

For Morocco, Ezzalzouli’s progress will also be welcomed as the Atlas Lions continue to monitor the fitness of their key players following the winger’s absence from the 2026 World Cup.