Nabil Fekir was expected as the messiah. Centerpiece of Real Betis Balompié, the 2018 world champion was missed by his team during the second part of the 2022-23 season. In fact, he injured his knee on February 24 during a match against Elche. Quickly, the Andalusians spoke of an absence of several months. “Nabil Fekir suffered a hyperextension of his left knee against Elche CF last Friday. The tests to which he was subjected by the medical services of Real Betis Balompié confirmed that he suffered from an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament of said knee. The player will have to undergo surgery in the coming days to resolve this injury, the prognosis of which suggests that he will miss the rest of the season.
A season that the Verdiblancos finished in a good sixth place. With the native of Lyon, who brings his qualities as a scorer, a passer but above all who creates danger thanks to his vision of the game and his dribbling while causing fouls (he was the player who suffered the most fouls in La Liga in last year, editor’s note), his club could have hoped for even better. Without him, the Andalusian team has achieved more or less interesting things. Led in particular by rookie Isco, who is returning to favor, Manuel Pellegrini’s troops obtained 7 wins and 5 draws and lost 3 matches in all competitions. Since the return of the former OL player on November 4, Betis have played 14 matches in total (5 wins, 5 draws, 4 defeats).
Clubs are here this winter
But Fekir did not participate in all the meetings. In fact, he only appeared 6 times, including 5 times as a substitute. He only started once. It was against Sparta Prague in the Europa League on November 30 and he played one half. In total, the 30-year-old footballer spent 124 minutes on the field. It’s not much but the player and his club do not want to rush his return and risk a relapse. The idea is to take your time and allow Fekir to gradually regain good sensations. Manuel Pellegrini, who is counting on him for the rest and end of the season, the darling also specifies the Iberian media A.S. this Monday.
But Betis (7th in Liga) risks being attacked for the player under contract until 2026. This, despite the fact that he is returning from injury. The Iberian publication reveals that Saudi Arabia is still there and could go on the offensive to secure its services in the more or less near future. But that’s not all. Several Turkish media, including Sabah, announces that Galatasaray, which wants to replace Hakim Ziyech, is very interested in the idea of recovering him this winter. But it is not certain that Betis will open the door. This, even if the departure of Nabil Fekir, who is one of the highest earners on the team, would save money. His suitors will have to be convincing, especially since the player has always assured that he is very happy in Seville.
