William Carvalho:The Betis pivot has torn his Achilles tendon, will have to undergo surgery and will have difficulty playing again this season. Pellegrini is left without another starter.

The worst fears were confirmed with William Carvalho, who had to leave on a stretcher during the first half against Leganés. The tests carried out this Saturday revealed that the Portuguese Betis midfielder has a complete tear of the Achilles tendon in his right leg. This was announced by the Betis club. William Carvalho

He will have to undergo surgery and will subsequently be out for several months. The normal thing is that between recovery and return to form he will not be able to play for the rest of the season. William Carvalho

William Carvalho’s absence is a setback for Manuel Pellegrini , who had started him in the four La Liga matches played so far. The 32-year-old player has been transferable again throughout the summer and the Betis club looked for a destination for him until the last day of the transfer market. He has one of the highest salaries in the squad and has a contract until June 2026.

The Angolan-born pivot’s prolonged absence will be joined by that of Isco Alarcón, who will probably not return until next year after undergoing another operation for a broken fibula.

Two midfielders, both creative, who will have to be replaced by those who remain in those positions: Roca, Altimira, Johnny, Fornals and Lo Celso. William Carvalho

A few days ago Rodri Sánchez left for Qatar and Betis begins in just over two weeks to play the Conference League, in which Isco is not registered but both Carvalho and Rodri are.