Real Betis: Cédric Bakambu left out against Espanyol Barcelona

Real Betis will be without Cédric Bakambu for their La Liga meeting with Espanyol, after the striker returned late from international duty with DR Congo.

The Andalusian side host the Catalan club on Saturday in Matchday 30, but Bakambu has not been included in the squad following his recent involvement in his national team’s successful qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup.

The forward played a role in DR Congo’s victory over Jamaica, a result that secured their place at the tournament.

However, his delayed return to Spain has led the Betis coaching staff to leave him out of the squad for the upcoming fixture, opting instead to allow him time to recover from his international commitments.

His absence comes at a time when Betis are preparing for an important home match, with the team aiming to deliver a strong performance in front of their supporters.

The decision reflects the physical demands placed on players following international fixtures, particularly when travel and recovery time are limited.

Bakambu’s unavailability is not the only concern for the club.

Several other players are also set to miss the match, leaving Betis with a reduced pool of options.

Isco remains unavailable, as he continues his recovery process after injury.

Giovani Lo Celso, Junior Firpo and Ángel Ortiz are also not yet ready to return to competitive action.

Although all four players have resumed training, they have not reached the required level of fitness to be included in the matchday squad.

These absences present a challenge for Betis as they prepare to face an Espanyol side seeking valuable points.

With multiple key players unavailable, the responsibility will fall on the remaining squad members to maintain the team’s level of performance.

Despite the setbacks, there is some positive news for the home side.

Defender Natan has returned to availability after a period on the sidelines and could feature in the match.

His inclusion provides an additional option for the coaching staff as they look to adjust their lineup.

The return of Natan offers a degree of balance at the back, particularly at a time when squad depth is being tested.

His presence may help to offset some of the disruptions caused by injuries and absences in other areas of the team.

For Betis, the match represents an opportunity to secure a positive result despite the challenges.

Playing at home provides an advantage, but the outcome will depend on how effectively the available players can adapt to the situation.

Espanyol, meanwhile, arrive with their own objectives, knowing the importance of gaining points as the season progresses.

The encounter is expected to be competitive, with both sides seeking to impose themselves.

The focus for Betis will be on managing the impact of their absences while maintaining cohesion on the pitch.

The absence of Bakambu, combined with the continued unavailability of several other players, means adjustments will be necessary.

As the match approaches, attention will turn to how Betis configure their lineup and whether they can overcome the challenges posed by a depleted squad.

The outcome will hinge on their ability to respond effectively under these circumstances.