Real Betis are looking to throw Arsenal loan star Hector Bellerin straight into their starting XI immediately before they face Celtic next week, according to Spanish outlet AS.
Bellerin has signed for the La Liga outfit on a temporary deal until the end of the season. The right-back arrived on deadline day from the Emirates after a dismal start to the season.
The Spanish defender hasn’t played a competitive game since May. However, AS reports that Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini hopes the introduction of Bellerin will immediately sort out their defensive issues.
It’s also stated in the report that the player himself also wants to be thrown into the side instantly. Betis will face Granada on Monday night – three days before Celtic pitch up in Sevilla.
An injury to Youssouf Sabaly led to Betis diving into the transfer market late on for a new right-back. Despite Martin Montoya being selected in recent weeks, however, Bellerin is to be given his debut a week today with a view to playing against Celtic.
The Hoops will have two extra days to prepare for the fixture with our own match coming against Ross County on Saturday.
Real Betis itching to have Hector Bellerin involved before Celtic
It’s not surprising that the Spanish side want their big signing involved in their European campaign. Celtic will likely be thinking the exact same when it comes to our own triple signing on deadline day.
However, you have to wonder whether the player himself will be fully fit. Bellerin has hardly been involved in any of Arsenal’s matchday squads so far this season. He’s been out in the cold, so it makes sense for Betis to want to rush him into action.
Celtic fans will have the same fears over Jota and Giorgos Giakoumakis. Both of them haven’t played since pre-season. So it will be interesting to see who adapts the better.
Betis of course have the home advantage, meaning the onus will be on Pellegrini’s side to take the game to us.
Bellerin will constantly look to get on the overlap and provide Aitor Rubial with an option on the right. It’s going to mean that Greg Taylor, who’s likely to start for Celtic if fit, will face his toughest challenge of the season so far.
It’s shaping up to be a cracker at the Benito Villamarin Stadium next Thursday. Regardless of his sharpness, Bellerin will provide Celtic with an additional problem we need to solve.
In other news, James Forrest Celtic return finally gives manager selection headache
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
