Man Utd opponents Real Betis suffer huge blow as they lose star man for season days before Europa League clash

REAL BETIS have suffered a huge blow ahead of their Europa League clash with Manchester United next month.

The Spanish side drew the Red Devils in the round of 16 during Friday's ceremony.

Betis have enjoyed a strong European campaign thus far, winning their group ahead of Roma without losing a game.

They will have their work cut out against United in the round of 16, however, having lost their star man Nabil Fekir for the rest of the season.

The Frenchman hyper-extended his left knee during Friday's 3-2 win over Elche.

Following subsequent medical tests, Betis have confirmed that Fekir has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The 29-year-old will now undergo surgery and won't play again this season.

Fekir was part of France's victorious World Cup-winning squad in 2018 and has earned 25 caps for Les Bleus.

He joined Betis the following year from hometown club Lyon and is a key creative force for Manuel Pellegrini's men.

The attacking midfielder has scored six goals and assisted a further three in 20 appearances in all competitions this season.

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He even scored the winner against Man United during a mid-season friendly in December.

Due to their World Cup exploits in Qatar, many of the Red Devils' key men did not play in that match, a 1-0 defeat.

Of those that were selected for Man United that day, only David de Gea started yesterday's Carabao Cup final.