Atletico Madrid get fresh two-player Arsenal injury boost as Ademola Lookman update issued

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Atletico Madrid have been sweating on a number of injured players ahead of next week's Champions League semi-final tie against Arsenal in Spain

Atletico Madrid have been handed a major double fitness boost as striker Alexander Sorloth and defender David Hancko returned to training ahead of this weekend's clash against Athletic Club.

Diego Simeone's side, who have lost six of their past eight matches in all competitions, have been dealing with several fitness problems ahead of their unmissable heavyweight collision with Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final first leg.

Atletico host the Gunners at the Metropolitano on Wednesday and their ranks have now been bolstered by Sorloth and Hancko as the pair rejoined group training on Friday.

However, there was still no sign of Ademola Lookman, hinting he could be touch-and-go to face Arsenal alongside defender Jose Maria Gimenez.

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Earlier this week, Atletico were beaten 3-2 at Elche in La Liga; goalkeeper Jan Oblak and midfielder Pablo Barrios returned from injury.

But Lookman is considered key to the club's chances of reaching the final in Budapest after hitting the ground running in Spain following his January switch from Italian outfit Atalanta.

He has scored seven goals and registered four assists in 18 appearances since signing.

During that period, he scored against Real Madrid, Barcelona in both league and Champions League action, and he also found the target in Saturday's Copa del Rey final defeat to Real Sociedad.

Atletico are back in action on Saturday evening when they host Athletic and initially, there was optimism that Lookman would be ready to feature.

Despite how poorly the team's results have been of late, tickets for next week's Champions League semi-final sold out in rapid time.

Simeone is delighted the club's supporters are sticking by his side, explaining: “We’ve given them the feeling and the conviction that we can reach that place, that we believe in what we do, and that we deserve to be where we are. The team has shown it can be there.

"Whether it happens or not, it’s part of the process we’re in. The fans in Seville were incredible: from the very beginning, their arrival the day before, and their farewell after the defeat.

“Often, they try to get us to say something that makes them feel like victims, but no, we’re not victims of anything. We’re not victims of anything. We have to look ahead, follow our path, and pursue what we want in only one way: by working.”