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Atletico Madrid picked up a valuable first win of the season on Saturday, but it came at a cost, with the Spanish side suffering four new injury concerns ahead of its Champions League clash against Liverpool.
Diego Simone’s side travels to Anfield on Wednesday for the first match of the 2025/26 European campaign. It’s the first time the clubs have met since a 2021 group-stage meeting in which Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane scored the only goals of the game.
But Atleti’s preparations were dealt a huge blow on Saturday when three players were forced off in the 2-0 victory over Villarreal. Julian Alvarez, who has scored 30 goals in 61 appearances for the club, is the most concerning.
The Argentinian set up Pablo Barrios for the opening goal of the game after nine minutes but was replaced at half-time.
Several Spanish media outlets have since reported this was a precaution, despite Alvarez being on the end of a strong challenge from Santiago Mourino.
Speaking post-match, Simeone said: “Until tomorrow, when he wakes up and has his first few hours without any discomfort, let's hope it's nothing and he's back as soon as possible.”
Alvarez played for Argentina over the recent international break, and the travelling may explain Aletico’s caution.
Meanwhile, Robin Le Normand dropped to the turf late on against Atletico and asked to be replaced. Like Alvarez, he had a busy international break and played in both of Spain’s matches.
The third injury concern was David Hancko, Arne Slot’s former defensive favorite from his time at Feyenoord.
The defender, who was recently voted as Atletico’s player of the month for August, was introduced in the 76th minute, but had to be replaced just seven minutes later after twisting his ankle.
“We haven't spoken to each of the boys' doctors. Generally, it's discomfort, bruises, and his ankle is twisted. We'll have more information tomorrow morning,” said Simeone, in his post-match press conference.
Reports in Spain have also indicated that Nico Gonzalez came off with cramps.
The news comes after Alex Baena and Thiago Almada were ruled out of Saturday’s game. The former suffered from appendicitis over the international break, while Almada is set to be out for a few weeks with a muscular injury sustained in Argentina’s 3-0 win against Venezuela.
“Footballers can go through situations that many have experienced in many national teams,” said Simeone ahead of the Villarreal game.
“We're losing an important player for our squad, along with Baena with appendicitis. We have to live with what's happening to us. That's why we need to have a strong squad.”
Jose Maria Giminez is the only other injury concern, with the center-back suffering from a hamstring injury.
Liverpool, in contrast, has just one injury in Curtis Jones. Federico Chiesa will miss the midweek Champions League encounter as he is not registered for the competition.
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