Sevilla have been dealt a huge blow with the news that Beto will be out for up to three months with a dislocated shoulder.
The goalkeeper came off worse for wear from a 50-50 challenge with Karim Benzema during the Andalucians’ 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid on Wednesday and required the assistance of Red Cross medics, who promptly stretchered him off before half-time.
Tests on Friday morning showed a third-degree dislocation, possibly requiring surgery, although Sevilla will continue analysing the condition of Beto’s shoulder in the meantime.
The Champions League challengers now have only Sergio Rico and former Villarreal youngster Mariano Barbosa as their only recognised glovesmen, along with teenager David Soria.
However, it may prove significant in the context of Beto’s future at Sevilla. The Portugal international’s contract expires at the end of the season and was due to negotiate a renewal.
Sevilla sporting director Monchi took to the club’s official radio station to express both his sympathy for Beto and confidence in the custodian’s deputies.
“It’s awful for both the player, because a shoulder injury is always difficult, and the team because he’s one of the most important players on the pitch and in the dressing room,” he lamented.
“We’ll give him all the support he needs, but it’s the worst possible news. When I saw him [stay down] on the pitch, I was worried that he took a blow to the head, because he was very cumbersome.
“Right now, what we’ll do is reinforce our confidence in goalkeepers Sergio Rico, [Mariano] Barbosa and David Soria.
“Beto’s injury is signifcant, but Sergio Rico has shown that we can count on him, while Barbosa is recovering the level which made Sevilla sign him.”
