Real Betis goalkeeper Diego Conde out weeks after debut shoulder injury
Synopsis
Diego Conde's dream debut for Real Betis turned into a nightmare within minutes — a collision with Diego Llorente in a preseason friendly has left the club's new goalkeeper facing six weeks out, right as Betis prepare for their first Champions League campaign in 20 years. With only Álvaro Vallés fit, Pellegrini's goalkeeping options are suddenly threadbare.
Key Takeaways
Diego Conde dislocated his left shoulder on debut for Real Betis during a preseason friendly against Granada on 26 July 2025 .
Spanish media reports suggest Conde faces at least six weeks on the sidelines.
The injury occurred after a collision with defender Diego Llorente at Los Carmenes Stadium .
Conde had only just completed a season-long loan from Villarreal days before the injury. Álvaro Vallés is now Betis' only fit senior goalkeeper ahead of the La Liga opener against Real Sociedad on 22 August .
Betis are set to compete in the UEFA Champions League for the first time in 20 years this season.
Real Betis goalkeeper Diego Conde faces a minimum of six weeks on the sidelines after dislocating his left shoulder during his debut for the club, the Andalusian side confirmed on Monday, 28 July 2025. The injury occurred during Saturday's preseason friendly against Granada at Los Carmenes Stadium, just days after the 26-year-old completed his loan move from Villarreal.
How the Injury Happened
Conde was forced off midway through the first half after colliding with defender Diego Llorente. Club medical staff reduced the dislocation at the stadium before Conde departed with his arm in a sling. Betis have not issued an official recovery timeline, but Spanish media reports indicate the goalkeeper is unlikely to return for at least six weeks.
Goalkeeping Cover at Betis
The setback leaves Álvaro Vallés as Betis' sole fit senior goalkeeper, with Ukraine under-17 international Yan Zhuravski providing backup. The situation is a significant concern for manager Manuel Pellegrini, who had identified Conde as the ideal replacement for departed shot-stopper Pau López.
Fixtures Conde Is Expected to Miss
Betis open their La Liga campaign against Real Sociedad on 22 August. According to reports, Conde is also expected to miss fixtures against Valencia, Levante, Real Madrid, and his former club Villarreal. The timing is particularly damaging given that Betis qualified for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in 20 years after finishing fifth in the 2025–26 La Liga season.
Background on the Transfer
Betis had pursued Conde for several weeks before finalising a season-long loan agreement with Villarreal last week. The club's board moved quickly once the decision was made to source a replacement for López, with Conde's profile considered a strong fit for Pellegrini's system. The injury means the much-anticipated arrival has been immediately overshadowed by an enforced absence at the worst possible moment in the club's recent history.
Real Betis, a club with a storied if turbulent past — including La Liga title glory in 1935 and Copa del Rey triumphs in 1977, 2005, and 2022 — will now need Vallés to carry the goalkeeping burden as they prepare for their biggest European stage in two decades.
Point of View
And the transfer window is narrowing. Pellegrini will be under pressure to act quickly, but emergency loan options in Spain are rarely straightforward. The broader question is whether the club's recruitment planning adequately accounted for contingency cover behind a player arriving on a temporary deal.
NationPress
27 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What injury did Diego Conde suffer on his Real Betis debut?
Diego Conde dislocated his left shoulder after colliding with defender Diego Llorente during a preseason friendly against Granada on 26 July 2025. The shoulder was reduced at the stadium and he left with his arm in a sling.
How long will Diego Conde be out for Real Betis?
Betis have not confirmed an official timeline, but Spanish media reports indicate Conde is likely to be sidelined for at least six weeks, meaning he will miss the start of the La Liga season.
Which matches is Diego Conde expected to miss?
Conde is reportedly set to miss Betis' La Liga opener against Real Sociedad on 22 August, as well as fixtures against Valencia, Levante, Real Madrid, and his former club Villarreal.
Who will play in goal for Real Betis while Conde is injured?
Álvaro Vallés is now Betis' only fit senior goalkeeper, with Ukraine under-17 international Yan Zhuravski serving as backup cover during Conde's absence.
Why did Real Betis sign Diego Conde?
Betis signed Conde on a season-long loan from Villarreal to replace Pau López. Manager Manuel Pellegrini identified the 26-year-old as the ideal profile for the squad as the club prepares for their first UEFA Champions League campaign in 20 years.
