Rival watch – Key Real Betis star ruled out of Barcelona clash due to injury | OneFootball

Following a 5-2 win over Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup, FC Barcelona will look to shift their attention to Copa Del Rey.

Having secured a win over Barbastro in the Round of 32, the Catalans are slated to face Real Betis in the Round of 16 on Wednesday.

Betis promise to be a much more challenging option for the Blaugrana, who simply cannot afford an early elimination from the Copa Del Rey despite their recent triumph.

Big boost for Barcelona

Just a couple of days before this important clash, Barcelona have been handed a major boost in the form of an injury to a key Real Betis player.

According to AS, Betis playmaker Giovani Lo Celso has been ruled out of the Barça on Wednesday owing to an injury.

The Argentine, who was once a target for Barcelona, has an adductor injury which will prevent him from travelling to Catalonia with the rest of his teammates.

Lo Celso notably missed Real Betis’ training session on Monday and everything suggests he won’t be available against Barcelona.

Giovani Lo Celso is a vital cog for Real Betis (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

In fact, the former Tottenham star might also be ruled out for Betis’ upcoming league game against Deportivo Alaves.

Lo Celso’s potential absence could prove to be a massive blow for Betis, especially in a game where the team will expire maximum creative output.

Lo Celso’s ability to provide creative essence in the final third coupled with his partnership with Isco in the final third is something Betis are bound to miss. Not to mention, the Argentine international is the team’s top scorer this season with seven goals.

That’s however not to say that Barça won’t have to worry about anything else. Betis, in fact, already boast a solid attack. Vitor Roque, in particular, will be one to watch out for as the Brazilian looks to make an impression against his parent club.