Real Betis suffer ‘huge’ blow as German Pezzella suffers injury ahead of Rangers showdown
Real Betis have suffered a “huge” blow ahead of their Europa League clash with Rangers after German Pezzella picked up an injury, according to the Scottish Herald.
The newspaper reported on its website on Monday (4 December) that the Argentine picked up a hamstring strain during Betis’ 0-0 draw with Almeira on Sunday (3 December) and could be set for a spell on the sidelines.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side has already lost William Carvalho until Christmas with a hamstring injury, while Guido Rodriguez will miss the crucial clash with the Light Blues on 14 December through suspension having picked up another yellow card against Sparta Prague.
Discussing Pezzella’s injury, Pellegrini said: “German felt discomfort in his hamstring. We are going to check him to see how he is for the week. He has noticed something. We have to hope it is not too bad, but we can’t afford to take chances and took him off immediately.”
Must win
It feels like there have already been plenty of games in the early stages of Rangers’ season that could potentially be campaign-defining, with Champions League play-off matches, Old Firm derbies and Viaplay Cup semi-finals all already being played.
But the clash in Spain against Real Betis truly feels like it could prove to be definitive in not only Rangers’ season by Philippe Clement’s tenure in Glasgow. A win will ensure Rangers qualify for the knockout stages and would even see them top the group.
If the Light Blues lose, they could well be playing Europa Conference League football after Christmas. Clement’s side cannot be reliant on Aris Limassol managing to upset Sparta Prague and must ensure that they claim all three points against Betis.
Pellegrini’s side have been ravaged by injury and suspension and that could help Rangers as Pellegrini does look fairly short of options. But no matter who lines up for the opposition, the Light Blues must ensure that they come out on top.
Rangers have beaten Betis once before, they can certainly do it again.
In other Rangers news, it is expected that the Light Blues’ AGM will be a tense affair after Clement’s actions in the last few days