Real Betis sets a return date for Cucho: can he make the derby?

Real Betis Balompié

41

Cucho Hernández
5.860.000€+40.000€?

J10

4

J9

6

J8

11

J7

2

J6

DL

22

A muscular injury that will keep him out for several weeks

The Real Betis are temporarily without one of their main attacking threats. Cucho Hernández finished the match against Barcelona with discomfort and medical tests confirmed a muscular injury in the left proximal calf area. The club did not set a fixed timetable for his recovery, which will depend on how he progresses over the coming weeks.

The forward will miss several fixtures across La Liga, the Champions League and the Copa, forcing Manuel Pellegrini to reshuffle his attacking options. In the meantime, Troy Parrott will get the chance to take on more of a leading role and show he can earn a spot in the starting XI.

Pellegrini is confident he can be ready for the derby

The Chilean coach confirmed that the Colombian will still need time before returning to normal training and effectively ruled out his comeback before the break. On his progress, Pellegrini explained: «Cucho needs more; he comes after the break. It is difficult for him to return to the squad before that».

Asked about the possibility of him making the Gran Derbi against Sevilla, the verdiblanco coach sounded more optimistic, although he made it clear that his recovery will need to be closely monitored: «We have to see how he evolves during this time; they are muscle loadings, we have to see how they keep developing, but it gives me the impression that by that date he should already be in condition».

Therefore, the forward's return could come after the international break, with the Sevilla derby circled in red on the calendar. Everything will depend on how the affected area responds and whether he can return to training with the group without any discomfort.