Cucho Hernández: medical update and estimated time out

Real Betis Balompié

41

Cucho Hernández
5.930.000€+100.000€4

J9

6

J8

11

J7

2

J6

6

J5

DL

22

The absence of the attacker forces Manuel Pellegrini to look for solutions in the forward line. Troy Parrott appears as the main alternative, although the Chilean coach has other options to cover the nine position.

Troy Parrott, the main alternative to replace Cucho

22

Parrot
6.460.000€-410.000€2

J9

2

J8

-

J7

5

J6

-

J5

DL

11

Cucho Hernández's injury leaves Pellegrini with fewer resources to handle the coming weeks. Everything points to Troy Parrott being tasked with occupying the centre-forward role for a large part of the matches ahead of the verdiblanco side.

The coach can also turn to Rodrigo Marina, the reserve-team attacker, or opt for a tactical variation with a false nine. In that scenario, two names come to the fore: Aitor Ruibal, who is close to finishing his recovery, and Nelson Deossa, a player who already carried out that role during the pre-season with encouraging signs.

How long will Cucho Hernández be out for?

The Betis has still not announced a specific date for the Colombian's return. However, given the nature of the injury, it is expected that he could remain sidelined until after the November international break.

If that scenario comes to pass, the forward would miss the clashes against Feyenoord, Celta, Navalcarnero, Málaga, Dortmund and Elche. His absence would particularly affect the team's planning during an important stretch of the Champions League league phase.

The discomfort emerged during Saturday's match against the Barcelona. Cucho was on the pitch for 64 minutes before being replaced. That game was also marked by a refereeing controversy over a Lo Celso goal that was ruled out for a handball flagged by Del Cerro Grande and De Burgos Bengoetxea.

On Sunday it was already known that the forward had suffered an injury, and this Monday he did not take part in training. Subsequent medical tests made it possible to determine the extent of the muscular problem.

Official Betis medical report on Cucho Hernández

The verdiblanco club has said that the player has a left proximal soleus injury, confirmed by the examinations carried out during the Monday morning.

The official statement says:

«The Real Betis Balompié player, Cucho Hernández, suffered a muscle injury during Saturday's match against FC Barcelona.

The tests he underwent this morning confirm that he has damage in the area of the left proximal soleus.

His return to the group will depend on his progress.»