Recovery from Cartilage Damage Not Progressing as Hoped, Forcing Return to Operating Table.

Isco Alarcón

Bad news for Real Betis fans: Creative maestro Isco Alarcón is set for another spell on the sidelines after his recovery from an intra-articular ankle injury (cartilage damage) stalled, requiring surgery once more.

The 33-year-old suffered the initial blow in a bizarre on-pitch collision with teammate Sofyan Amrabat during a Europa Conference League match against Utrecht on November 27, 2025, just minutes into the game and in his first start after returning from a previous long-term layoff.

Although initially expected to miss around a month, medical checks in mid-December revealed complications with persistent pain, swelling, and inflammation. Club doctor José Manuel Álvarez explained the high-impact trauma caused deep tissue damage beyond the visible wound (which required stitches).

Now, as reported on December 27, 2025, Isco is scheduled for surgery (likely on December 29) to fully address the cartilage issue. This extends his absence by at least another month, dealing a blow to Manuel Pellegrini‘s side in the thick of LaLiga and European action.

Isco’s injury curse continues – he missed large chunks of 2024 and 2025 with separate fibula fractures and other issues, but when fit, he’s been instrumental, earning a Spain recall and driving Betis’ ambitions.