Coach Manuel Pellegrini appears to have lost the services of the central defender due to a hamstring injury that will reportedly keep him out for a couple of weeks.
William Carvalho was also absent for their 1-1 draw away to Villarreal on Sunday but that was due to suspension and he will be available for Thursday evening's encounter.
It was another positive result in Real Betis's quest for a Champions League spot next season. Another goal from leading scorer Borja Iglesias, surprisingly only a substitute in Manchester, handed the Sevillan side a first-half advantage. The striker tapped home when former Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina fumbled the ball.