Real Betis’s talismanic midfielder Francisco “Isco” Alarcón is facing a significant setback ahead of the new season after suffering a new, non-displaced fracture of the middle third of his left fibula during a pre-season friendly against Málaga on Saturday.
Though the club reports that the injury is unrelated to a previous fracture, the timing could prove devastating both for him and the club as they prepare for the start of LaLiga in days.
At 33, the former Real Madrid star had made a stirring comeback last season after a prolonged layoff. His form – tallying 12 goals and 11 assists across all competitions – helped propel Betis to a sixth-place finish in LaLiga, qualification for the Europa League, and a run to the UEFA Europa Conference League Final, where he was named Player of the Season.
His resurgence earned him a long-awaited return to the Spanish national team, where he appeared in the Nations League final.
The injury occurred during a match in the Trofeo Costa del Sol. In the 60th minute, Málaga’s David Larrubia—ironically an admirer of Isco—committed a strong tackle that left the midfielder in visible pain.
Isco had to be substituted and left the pitch on crutches, wearing a protective brace, raising immediate concern among supporters.
The club’s medical tests confirmed a non-displaced fracture, which will be treated conservatively without surgery. The precise return date will depend on how well he heals over the coming weeks.
Estimated recovery time is around three months, meaning Isco is set to miss between 11 and 12 LaLiga matches and potentially four Europa League fixtures, severely disrupting Betis’s early campaign plans.
David Larrubia publicly expressed remorse, conveying that the challenge was unintentional, especially toward a player he regards as a hero. Acknowledging the backlash on social media, he said: “Anyone who knows me knows I would never go to injure someone… especially someone who has been and still is an idol to me.”
In a remarkable display of sportsmanship, Isco responded empathetically: “I have nothing to reproach you for, my friend,” acknowledging the incident as part of the game.
Betis’s management is assessing the fallout on its transfer strategy. While the club is not abandoning its roadmap, they confirmed that the club president Ángel Haro and sporting director Manu Fajardo maintain the course.
The club remains ambitious but cautions against reckless spending, with potential moves—including the possible return of Antony from Manchester United—still under consideration, contingent on economic prudence.
This recurrence of injury, in the same region that brought him seven months of rehabilitation last year, is undoubtedly a blow to both Isco’s personal momentum and Betis’s season ambitions.