Bartra rejoins the group and eases Betis’ defensive concerns

Bartra has rejoined the group and completed a full training session on Wednesday, an encouraging sign for the defence. Marc Bartra had returned to training on a partial basis the previous day after discomfort forced him off in his team’s last Liga match at Riazor against Deportivo de la Coruña. Those problems have now been overcome.

After several days of individual work, the Catalan centre-back is expected to be available this weekend, when competition resumes after the international break, with Osasuna awaiting at La Cartuja. His return would give Pellegrini more scope to rotate Valentín and Fran. It is also welcome news for Marc as he looks to build on a strong start to the season.

Alongside his defensive performances, Bartra is currently the top scorer in the verdiblanco squad. He has three goals from set pieces: two in Champions, in his team’s victory over Lille, and one in the domestic competition, in the only defeat of the season so far, away to Levante at Ciudad de Valencia.

Managing the defensive positions remains important. To avoid asking Fran García to play every match, with the risks that entails and after his return from the national team, the coaching staff could turn to Valentín Gómez in Firpo’s absence, as it did on many occasions last season.

Diego Llorente is also returning from injury and has missed his team’s last four fixtures. Having Bartra available after the scare at Riazor would help Betis maintain its rotation plan during weeks with two matches. The defender is also aiming to earn a contract extension through his performances; his deal expires next June 30.