Alternatives for reaching Benito Villamarín due to traffic disruptions from the Magna.
SEVILLA/When a footballer suffers an injury, their absence is noticeably felt in today’s highly professionalized football. However, when it happens to the best player in a team, significantly above the rest, and one of the top three or four professionals in LaLiga last season, the impact is even greater. Manuel Pellegrini’s side returns to Benito Villamarín today after four consecutive away matches, managing just a single victory (in the Copa del Rey against Sant Andreu). Today, they face an FC Barcelona in need of recovery after some poor results, as happiness has returned in December. Adding to the excitement is the unexpected return of Isco Alarcón to the squad.
Since that fateful day on May 16, 2024, nearly seven long months have passed. Initially, the fibula fracture he sustained against Las Palmas was expected to see him return by August, but complications from the surgical callus forced him back under the knife early in September.
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When he underwent surgery again, initial predictions suggested a return to training by early 2025. However, with Dr. Álvarez’s good explanations, a much more effective healing process, and the positive feelings from the player, we find that he has made a comeback to the squad list in early December, much sooner than anticipated by Diario de Sevilla. This reflects the impressive recovery of an Isco whom Pellegrini already indicated is fit to play: “He is fit to play; if not, he wouldn’t be on the list, but we will see how many minutes he can spend on the pitch.”
From that day in May, a total of 205 days have elapsed. It has been a lengthy period filled with numerous events on both the footballing front and the club’s overall journey. Unfortunately, he missed the Euro Cup which Spain would go on to win, and he also missed a substantial number of matches for a Betis side that struggled to find its rhythm without him but ultimately achieved its goals last season and remains in all competitions this campaign (although not without difficulties). In total, Isco has missed 25 official matches, with Betis recording the following statistics: 10 wins, 7 draws, and 8 losses.
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Despite the return of the Arroyo de la Miel native and the positive vibes emanating from the training sessions, the reality is that he still has a long way to go to showcase his true level. He will need a personalized pre-season to regain the same competitive rhythm as his teammates. Furthermore, despite him conveying to those around him that he feels ‘like a new man’ and is eager to play again, the coaching staff must exercise caution regarding his return.
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Firstly, he is a player who endures many knocks, and another injury in the same area could sideline him for an extended period due to recurring pain. Secondly, with this type of injury, it is common for excessive playing time to lead to other muscular injuries in areas that have suffered from inactivity.
