As the next World Cup draws closer and fans keep one eye on a BD Cricket Match while following football news, the list of title contenders is already taking shape, with Spain ranked first in the world and Argentina close behind as leading favorites. With the tournament approaching, injuries are the cruelest setback a player can face, and Spain have now been hit by worrying news. A former Real Madrid star has suffered a serious blow after being injured by a teammate, and his World Cup hopes are rapidly fading after a recovery timeline that could stretch to six months.
According to an official statement from Real Betis, Isco has undergone arthroscopic surgery on his right ankle. The club confirmed that he initially attempted conservative treatment following the injury, but progress was slow and surgery became unavoidable. Spanish outlet Mundo Betis reported that if the operation had been carried out immediately, he might already be close to returning. Unfortunately, the damage was identified too late, and current estimates suggest Isco will not be back until at least late February.
Looking at Isco’s season as a whole, it is clear that injuries have severely limited his playing time. He spent nearly half a year in rehabilitation, rarely able to string together consistent appearances. The first setback came during an August preseason friendly, when a collision with Larubia resulted in a fibula fracture. That injury sidelined him for three months, and he only returned at the end of November. In a La Liga match against Girona, he came off the bench for 30 minutes and even provided an assist, offering a brief reminder of his quality.
However, misfortune struck again soon after. In a Europa League match against Utrecht, Isco started but was forced off in the ninth minute after a bizarre incident. While teammates focused on the ball, Amrabat clashed with Isco and accidentally kicked him heavily, leaving him injured once more just after his comeback. This second setback is expected to keep him out for another three months, meaning his total recovery time this season could reach six months. Missing such a large portion of the campaign places his inclusion in Spain’s World Cup squad in serious doubt, much like momentum can suddenly swing away during a tense BD Cricket Match.
When fully fit, Isco remains a top-class midfielder. Last season at Betis, he delivered 12 goals and 11 assists, serving as the creative heartbeat of the team. His close control, sharp dribbling, and technical finesse have long defined the Spanish midfield style. At his peak, he was valued at 90 million euros, won five Champions League titles with Real Madrid, and started two finals. He has earned 39 caps for Spain, contributing 12 goals and six assists, and featured as a substitute in this year’s Nations League final.
Had injuries not intervened, Isco would likely be pushing hard for a place at the upcoming World Cup, but as things stand and with a BD Cricket Match playing in the background for many fans, reality paints a tougher picture. After long spells out and limited match rhythm, a 33-year-old Isco faces an uphill battle to make the squad, reminding everyone that timing and fitness can be the difference between a dream fulfilled and one that slips through the cracks.