Marc Bartra’s injury has left Real Betis with a dilemma in defence, and the club is reportedly considering Sokratis Papastathopoulos as an emergency solution.

The Greek centre-back, currently without a club after ending his contract with Olympiacos, is on Betis’ radar, according to reports from Greece and Spain.

Real Betis are reportedly in urgent need of a central defender with international experience, and Sokratis fits that criterion.

Currently, the club has only Germán Pezzella and Chadi Riad as natural centre-backs, forcing manager Manuel Pellegrini to use defensive midfielders like Marc Roca and Guido Rodríguez as makeshift centre-backs.

This defensive vulnerability has become more pronounced in the Europa League, where the absence of Riad, who isn’t registered in the competition, is keenly felt.

“Sokratis would arrive free, as he is without a team after ending his contract with Olympiacos,” stated the report in the Spanish publication, Sport.

“In the last matchday, which ended with a victory against Sparta Prague (2-1), Pellegrini had to turn to Marc Roca as Pezzella’s companion.”

Sokratis’ experience at Arsenal could be of particular benefit to Betis as they seek to reinforce their defence. His ability to play in different defensive setups would offer Pellegrini additional flexibility, something that has been missing since the injury to Bartra.

Moreover, Sokratis’ availability on a free transfer makes him an even more appealing option for Betis.

With their current constraints in defence and the evident lack of backup options, the club might see the former Arsenal man as a low-risk, high-reward solution to their problems.

The former Arsenal man, who cost the club €16m, made 69 appearances and scored six goals during his time with the Gunners between 2018 and 2021. He is currently valued at €1m.