Real Betis defender Damien Perquis is expected to return to first-team action "within a month".

The centre-back has been out of action since the beginning of November after suffering a double fracture to his jaw in a clash with Malaga forward Fabrice Olinga.

Surgery soon followed, but Betis boss Juan Carlos Garrido is confident that the 29-year-old will return to action next month.

"Perquis has lost so much weight because he couldn't eat... he's going to a specialized centre that has given him a specific diet plan and a maxillofacial specialist is working him for the physical aspects," Garrido told reporters at a press conference.

"He's working around the clock to be ready within a month."

Perquis joined Betis from Sochaux in 2012.