Manuel Pellegrini gives fitness update on key Real Betis player ahead of Man Utd clash

Manuel Pellegrini has admitted he is not sure if Sergio Canales is fit to play the full 90 minutes for Real Betis on Thursday against Manchester United.

The Seville-based side head to Old Trafford for the first leg of the last-16 Europa League tie, with the reverse fixture to be played next week in Spain. Ahead of Thursday’s encounter, Sergio Canales had been a fitness doubt, but the midfielder was named in the club’s travelling squad which flew to England.

Canales has missed the last two games against Elche and Real Madrid with a knock, and Pellegrini was asked in his pre-match press conference if the 32-year-old will be available to start, with the former Manchester City boss hinting Canales might not be fit to play the full game.

“The players included in the list, they are fit to play and we spoke to our medical staff and have decided the ideal period he can play in. We will see what the best options are for our best XI tomorrow,” explained Pellegrini.

The Chilean, who spent three years at the Etihad between 2013 and 2016, also said he is looking forward to renewing his rivalry with United, especially given Betis are not regulars in European competitions.

“First we look at the game as important. We are excited,” he said. “Last year we couldn’t get to this stage because we were knocked out by the champions. We have that on our backs.

“We are going to take on Manchester United over two legs. I played two Champions League games with Villarreal when United were managed by Sir Alex Ferguson. When I was with City and then West Ham I played against United. The rivalry with City was unbelievable.

“The club need to continue to grow and make the next step. We need to take it onto the pitch and take a further step forward,” Pellegrini added. “We need to think about the first game and we play away first - we need a good result. After the first game you can’t say it’s won or lost. You need to take that into account.”