Antony's worries before the big match with Barca

Real Betis beat Torrent in the Copa del Rey but paid the price with Antony's limp.

The 4-1 win over Torrent should have ended in relief. But when Antony limped off the pitch, no one at Betis could remain calm. The Brazilian simply told the press: “There is still time to recover.” That reassurance helped ease some of the anxiety, but it did not mask the fact that Betis were in a personnel crisis at a time when stability was most needed.

Injuries have been a constant source of worry. Isco and Amrabat both went down in last week’s European game and are not expected to return. Bellerin and Lo Celso have also been on the injured list. Pellegrini has had to rotate, take risks and now faces the risk of losing Antony, the player he had high hopes for against Barca.

Antony missed the Seville derby through suspension, and starting the Copa del Rey was a chance to get back into the game. But instead of a full return, he ended the game with an ankle injury.

In Betis' attacking system, Antony brings pace, dribbling ability and a boldness that no one else can replace. Against Barcelona, Betis will need those qualities more than ever.

At a time when the schedule is so tight, Betis does not want to gamble with anyone's health. But without Antony, the tactical problem becomes more difficult to solve. Pellegrini wants stability, but he only gets fragmented pieces due to injuries. The big match with Barca could become a test of Betis' squad depth.

As for Antony, the race to recovery has begun. And Betis know full well: any attacking hopes they have against Barca would be different without the influential winger.

Source: https://znews.vn/noi-lo-mang-ten-antony-truoc-dai-chien-voi-barca-post1608451.html