Atletico Madrid are set to return to training today ahead of Wednesday evening’s Champions League semi-final clash against Arsenal
Diego Simeone is waiting to discover the availability of four key Atletico Madrid players ahead of this week’s Champions League semi-final against Arsenal.
The Argentine saw his side get back to winning ways on Saturday when they battled their way to a 3-2 victory over Athletic Club at the Wanda Metropolitano on Saturday evening.
Striker Alexander Sorloth scored a brace and confirmed after the game that he’d avoided injury – he was suffering from cramp – following a late scare.
Sorloth missed the 3-2 defeat at Elche after sustaining an issue in the Copa del Rey final defeat to Real Sociedad.
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Star winger Ademola Lookman has also been absent since that game and was unable to make the squad on Saturday versus Athletic Club. There is still cautious optimism he will be ready in time to face Arsenal.
Julian Alvarez is the big story in Madrid at the moment, not least because Barcelona are working towards a sensational summer transfer swoop for the Argentina international forward.
The former Manchester City man has not played in any of Atletico’s past four league matches and was an unused substitute on Saturday after returning to the squad.
Reports in Spain suggest he’s currently nursing a minor thigh problem but there have been mixed statements on his potential availability.
Some outlets suggest he’ll be ready to start while others have reported that he’s touch-and-go to feature against the Gunners, who also have him on their transfer radar.
Defender David Hancko returned to light training last Friday but was left out of the squad against Athletic Club as he continues to rebuild his fitness.
Atletico confirmed on Sunday that midfielder Pablo Barrios will be out of the match against Arsenal after picking up an injury against Athletic.
Fellow centre-back Jose María Gimenez is also racing against the clock to prove his fitness in time for Wednesday, however, even if he were fit, it’s not guaranteed that he will start the match.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are making checks on forward Kai Havertz after he was forced off in the first half of Saturday’s 1-0 win over Newcastle.
Havertz suffered a muscular issue after assisting Eberechi Eze’s winner. Eze was also substituted shortly after the restart due to a problem, but he later confirmed that leaving the field was more precautionary.
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