The last eight months have been incredibly tough for Nabil Fekir. The Frenchman tore his anterior cruciate ligament back in February, and had been out of action ever since. However, that has now changed, as he made his long-awaited return against Mallorca on Saturday.
With Real Betis leading 2-0 at the Benito Villamarin, Manuel Pellegrini opted to give Fekir the final few minutes. The Verdiblanco faithful greeted him with delight, and he was also given the captain’s armband upon entering the field of play.
Isco Alarcon was given a standing ovation for his performance as he was subbed off. 👏🇪🇸
Nabil Fekir is subbed on and was given a loud ovation as well as the captains armband for his welcome back. 👏🇫🇷pic.twitter.com/II5CoMg6HC
— LaLigaExtra (@LaLigaExtra) November 4, 2023
Fekir’s return is a very welcome one for Betis, although his absence has not been felt as much thanks to the efforts of Isco Alarcon, who has been fantastic since joining the club in the summer. It was the former Real Madrid man that Fekir replaced when he made his comeback.
Real Betis will hope to build Fekir’s fitness up in the next few weeks, with a view to having him properly available as soon as possible. When that day comes, Pellegrini will have remarkable strength-in-depth in the attacking midfield department.
