Mel: Benat plays, Campbell maybe

Pepe Mel says ‘weird things’ would have to prevent Benat Etxebarria from playing for Real Betis this weekend, whilst Joel Campbell could debut.

Creative midfielder Benat is the subject of intense transfer speculation, with Wolfsburg confirmed as in negotiations for his signature, whilst Athletic Bilbao are also said to be interested.

However, his Coach Mel says that the midfielder will be playing once again for Los Beticos this weekend, as they welcome Rayo Vallecano.

“What matters is that for now, he is still here, he trains well and he competes well,” the tactician told reporters at today’s conference.

“Weird things will have to happen on Saturday morning for him not to be with us for the game.

“Benat is focused, as he showed the other day. You cannot blame him for anything. To sell him for anything other than to make money will be bad business, but my priority is sporting over finances, obviously.”

Without Ruben Castro for the next month due to a sprained ankle, the Coach admits that any one of three players could deputise, including on-loan Arsenal forward Campbell.

“Campbell may well make his debut, because I have three options to replace Castro, namely Pozuelo, Campbell and Pereira, any of them will do fine.”

Mel also looked ahead to Saturday evening’s encounter with Rayo.

“If there is a team you cannot relax in front of, it is Rayo. Beyond Barcelona and Real Madrid, all the other teams are equal.

“But, it is especially tough against Rayo, who have been played four times and won three. Therefore, they are one team we cannot relax against.”

Tags Benat Campbell Mel
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