Opponent watch: Real Betis set to be without key player for Barcelona clash

After the end of the 2023/24 season’s first international break, Barcelona are set to restart their campaign as they take on Real Betis on Saturday evening.

It promises to be a crunch game against an opposition, who have started the new campaign with two wins in four matches.

Nabil Fekir to miss Barcelona game

Heading into this exciting encounter at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, Barcelona have been handed a major boost.

According to SPORT, Real Betis’ star player Nabil Fekir will not be available for the Barcelona game.

This could serve as a positive for Barça, as Fekir has been a crucial attacking outlet for Betis ever since joining the club in 2019.

He has racked up 28 goals and 26 assists during his time at Betis, making him one of the club’s most important players.

Not all bad news for Real Betis

Fekir being ruled out for the Barcelona game is not necessarily bad news for Real Betis. In fact, the club from Andalusia will be happy that the midfielder has finally returned to training.

The Frenchman had picked up a nasty injury in February and had been out since. But yesterday, he was medically discharged and returned to team training.

Fekir even trained with Real Betis players earlier in the morning and if everything goes well, the player will be able to return to the pitch early November.

For the time being, the former Lyon starlet will continue his recovery. Thanks to his discharge, he will be able to participate in training en masse.

For now, though, the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner will miss the trip to Barcelona on Saturday.