Atletico Madrid’s injury situation has worsened ahead of the Champions League clash with Arsenal on Wednesday
Arsenal take on Atletico Madrid in the Spanish capital this week, knowing they can put one foot in a UEFA Champions League final for the first time since 2006. Never having won the competition, there is a lot of pressure on these remaining games of the season with the Premier League title also still in the balance.
Diego Simeone’s hopes of another La Liga title are long gone, but despite having little to play for, he fielded a strong side in their 3-2 win over Athletic Club on the weekend. This will be something of a relief to Mikel Arteta, who saw many of his side drop to the floor at the full-time whistle in their 1-0 win over Newcastle United.
Despite suffering a problem two weeks ago, Alexander Sorloth returned to the side and scored twice, putting him in good standing ahead of the clash with Arsenal. Yet there was still no sign of Ademola Lookman, not even present on the bench, and he could still also miss the game with the Gunners.
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Alex Baena started on the left-hand side, in a front four with Sorloth, Antoine Griezmann and Giuliano Simeone. Pablo Barrios, however, is the big blow for his manager as having only recently returned to the side, the central midfielder had to be replaced in the second half after it was clear he was unable to continue.
Spanish outlet Marca have said the player could be out for as much as an entire month, meaning he would miss both legs against Arsenal, but could make the final should they eliminate the north London side. This comes as a boost to the Gunners, considering Barrios’ importance to Atleti.
For Arsenal, there are still question marks over several players, including Kai Havertz, Eberechi Eze, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori. The latter pair were not included in the side that beat Newcastle, while Havertz and Eze left the field with what Arteta described as ‘little niggles’, and it is yet to be determined whether they can return on Wednesday.
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