Real Betis are set for an anxious wait over Nabil Fekir and his availability to face Celtic.
Los Verdiblancos meet Celtic in the last game of our Europa League group. The permeations could be considerable, with both Betis and Celtic battling for second place [UEFA]. Betis made their lives harder with a 4-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen last night.
In that game, Fekir, who was once on the verge of joining Liverpool [Echo], picked up a daft sending-off after an altercation with Kerem Dermibay. Now, it’s up to UEFA to decide whether his actions were “unsportsmanlike conduct”, or assault [Marca].
If it’s the former, Fekir will miss out against Ferencvaros, but would be free to face Celtic. If it’s the latter, the Frenchman faces a 3-game ban from European competition.
A World Cup winner with France, Fekir is a key player for Real Betis. So far this season, he’s scored 2 and set up 3 for the Andalusians in 15 outings [Transfermarkt].
Of course, Betis have plenty of threats without the Frenchman. However, Fekir’s talents speak for themselves. In nearly 200 outings for Lyon, he scored 69 goals and created 46 more [Transfermarkt].
Betis’ veteran leader Joaquin gave his verdict on Fekir’s sending off. He told Marca:
“Nerves, stress, Nabil is a footballer with a very strong character, with a lot of personality, but they are things that cannot happen because they stain football.”
Nabil Fekir and his Real Betis side look vulnerable after Bayer Leverkusen shellacking; Celtic can take heart
Whether Nabil Fekir is available or not, Real Betis’ mixed form has made them an interesting prospect.
Despite losing 4-3 in the group’s opening game, Celtic will have taken heart from that performance. Betis, up to last night, looked like the team in form. Domestically, they’ve been consistent, sitting fifth in La Liga [Sky Sports]. Bayer were the team needing a performance; Seoane’s team dutifully delivered.
Depending on what they can do against Ferencvaros, it could really go to the wire between Celtic and their Spanish Green and White counterparts. Luckily, when the final group game rolls around, it’ll be the Bhoys with home advantage.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side will surely be looking for a bounce back against Ferencvaros. However, the Hungarians will be determined not to finish the group with zero points. Peter Stöger is under immense pressure, and a positive result would surely buy him time.
Whatever happens, it’s going to be a cinematic climax to the Europa League Group G. In the more condensed format, and with plenty of quality across the competition, it’s been essential viewing.
As for Fekir? It’ll be a nervous wait. If UEFA decide he’s gone way over the top, then Betis will miss one of their star players for a trip to Celtic Park.
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