The Real Betis first team is facing the final straight in their preparation for the forthcoming league match to be played on Sunday 16th at midday against Granada CF. Gabriel Humberto Calderón, confirmed by developments in the training sessions so far this week, is returning to a defence of five, which guaranteed success in the home win against RCD Espanyol (2-0) on 2nd February.

The match, considered to be a final not only by the Argentine manager but also by Granada, could rekindle the morale of the team from Heliopolis, who have been rather crestfallen after falling back to earth with a hard bump after the defeat by Valencia CF. The Betis team will travel to Granada at midday on Saturday, so Calderón will have until then to come to a definitive decision on the starting eleven for the fixture.

Meanwhile, the home team is concentrating on a trip to La Manga del Mar Menor in preparation for this momentous duel, the Real Betis Balompié manager will have to wait until the last minute to know for certain if he can count on the participation of certain players. Thursday's training session saw the return of Chuli, who was not able to train the day before because he was suffering from the flu. The same was true for Perquis, who was able to train normally under Calderón's orders on Wednesday, being able to complete all the tasks planned for the session with no apparent complications.

On the other hand, Nacho has continued a specific exercise programme with the physiotherapists due to lower back pain that has been dragging on since yesterday. Consequently, the most noteworthy absentees were Paulao, Vadillo, Guille Sara and Braian Rodríguez, who are all following there individual recovery programmes. We would highlight the presence of some reserves who have worked with José Antonio Caro, they are Pedro López and Javi Montoya.