Youssouf Sabaly’s participation in the UEFA Europa Conference League final remains uncertain after the Real Betis defender sustained a shoulder injury during Thursday’s 2-2 La Liga draw against Rayo Vallecano.
The Senegalese international was forced off the pitch in the 25th minute after landing awkwardly on his left shoulder, prompting immediate concern among Betis staff and supporters.
He was replaced by Aitor Ruibal, and early signs pointed to a potential setback ahead of one of the club’s most significant fixtures in recent years.
In an official statement released on Friday, Real Betis confirmed that Sabaly had suffered a sprain to the left acromioclavicular joint.
Medical examinations ruled out any bone damage, but the extent of soft tissue injury has left the timeline for recovery unclear.
With the Conference League final against Chelsea scheduled for May 28 in Wroclaw, time is running short for the 31-year-old to prove his fitness.
The absence of Sabaly would be a major blow to manager Manuel Pellegrini, who has relied heavily on the experienced right-back throughout the campaign.
A key defensive figure, Sabaly has featured in 33 matches across all competitions this season — his highest tally since the 2020–2021 campaign with Bordeaux, prior to his move to the Spanish side.
His availability is especially critical given Betis’s aspirations of securing European silverware. Currently sixth in La Liga, the club views the Conference League final not only as an opportunity for a historic continental triumph but also as a way to reaffirm its standing among Europe’s competitive elite.
Sabaly’s reliability in defence and ability to support forward movements have made him an integral part of Pellegrini’s tactical system.
His injury comes at a time when Real Betis are already managing a demanding fixture schedule and preparing to face a formidable Chelsea side, themselves eager to salvage their season with a European trophy.
This latest setback is not the first time Sabaly has faced injury-related challenges during his career. Since his arrival in La Liga, the former Paris Saint-Germain youth product has experienced intermittent spells on the sidelines.
However, the current season has seen a notable return to form, with the defender maintaining consistent performances that have earned praise both domestically and in Europe.
The Real Betis medical team has not specified a recovery period, and the club is expected to monitor Sabaly’s condition closely in the coming days.
His rehabilitation will be key in determining whether he can participate in what could be a landmark moment for the Andalusian outfit.
Meanwhile, Betis will begin preparing contingency plans, with Ruibal likely to be the preferred alternative at right-back should Sabaly fail to recover in time.
Regardless of the outcome, his leadership and experience off the pitch could still prove invaluable in the buildup to the final.
As the countdown to Wroclaw continues, the club and fans alike remain hopeful that their Senegalese stalwart will recover in time to help lead Real Betis on one of the most important nights in its history.
