Real Betis attacker Diego Lainez will miss the upcoming match against Celtic, according to 90Min.
Lainez has been out since competing for Mexico at the Olympics. The left-winger picked up a nasty ankle injury and has still to play for Betis this season.
90Min report that the player will be back training at some stage this week. However, they’ve ruled out the possibility of him featuring against the Hoops. Lainez was nowhere to be seen in last night’s 2-1 win against Granada.
It’s reported that the soonest Lainez can return to action is a La Liga clash against Osasuna on Thursday, September 23rd. This takes away yet another key option for Manuel Pellegrini ahead of Thursday night.
Lainez was brought to the club in January 2019 and played a big role in the club’s resurgence under Pellegrini last term. Indeed, the winger featured 25 times for the club, but only managed four direct goal contributions.
The Mexican can play in a number of positions, featuring in as many as seven throughout his career [Transfermarkt].
Real Betis have strong alternative options ahead of Celtic clash
Despite Lainez’s injury, Betis still have strong alternatives they can turn to. Last night for example they operated with Christian Tello on the left flank and Rodri down the right. They have experience in abundance, meaning the injury likely won’t rock them too badly.
Marc Bartra, however, also came off injured against Granada, putting his availability into doubt for Thursday night also.
Celtic likely won’t be taking much notice of any of this. They’ll still be preparing for Betis to produce an extremely strong performance with all of their best players available.
After all, we have injury concerns of our own. The likes of James Forrest, for example, is a major doubt whilst Greg Taylor is likely to be sidelined. So it’s unfair to say either club has an advantage in that regard.
No amount of injuries will make Celtic’s task on Thursday night any different or less difficult. We’re up against an extremely talented side who will be buoyed by their first win of the season.
There’s no denying having Lainez out isn’t ideal for them. Same goes for if Barta is sidelined too. But, knowing Celtic in Europe, this could mean absolutely nothing.
In other news, Report: Celtic send Greg Taylor to see specialist after shoulder injury
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