Injury blow for Betis stopper

Real Betis defender Juanito has been ruled out for a month with a thigh injury.

The centre back sustained the injury while on duty with the Spain national squad.

He tore a muscle in his left thigh during a training session, and now looks set to miss Betis' next three league matches against Real Madrid, Getafe and Malaga.

The stopper admitted his frustration at the injury, but insisted he would not be rushing his comeback.

I will be patient," he stated. "This is the world of football which has both joys and problems.

"From the moment I did I knew it was not positive.

"The tests have confirmed the prognosis, but now I am only thinking about my recuperation.

"These injuries are very dangerous and I want to be 100 percent when I play again."