Atlético de Madrid jumped to Getafe with Clement Lenglet in the starting line-up, but the team began warming up and the change in the red-and-white line-up was announced. Finally, due to some discomfort, the player from Beauvais was left out of the match and was replaced by José María Giménez, the Uruguayan center-back who was going to rest this afternoon, was a starter.
There is concern in the Atlético team regarding a possible injury with Real Madrid just around the corner. The Whites will visit the Riyadh Air Metropolitano this Wednesday in the decisive match seeking a spot in the Champions League quarter-finals. In the first leg, Simeone's team lost 2-1 and they need everyone, especially important players like the French center-back, who has been a starter in the last two derbies.
The solidity provided by the player on loan from Barça makes him very important, and with a duel against Real Madrid, there are no doubts about the Frenchman. Clement Lenglet arrived this season on loan from FC Barcelona and has secured a spot in the defense. Simeone has relied on the importance and experience of the Frenchman and has brought him back to the international forefront, despite the doubts he had when he joined the club.
His Future in Barça's Hands
Clement Lenglet has a contract with Barça until 2027, after renewing his contract for one season with the blaugranas. He is not part of the future plans for the Catalan team, and everything points to him continuing with Atlético, although the clubs must reach an agreement. Simeone wants him to stay, and the Atlético locker room and fans feel the same; Clement has won them over with his professionalism and simplicity.
The fact is that with Lenglet in the line-up, they have only lost one match, which was against Real Madrid in the Champions League last Tuesday at Santiago Bernabéu. The French footballer feels very comfortable in Madrid and doesn't want to return to the Catalan city. Hansi Flick also doesn't see him in a line-up where he has many players, such as Ronald Araújo, Íñigo Martínez, Pau Cubarsí, Eric García, or Jules Koundé.
Simeone Counts on Him
He has no place in Barça, and Atlético plays with that, while in the remaining matches, the French footballer will continue to be important. A key part of Atlético being the team that has conceded the fewest goals during this LaLiga season.
Next Sunday, he will be a starter if nothing prevents it against FC Barcelona, in one of the most important duels for Atlético. He was already a starter in Montjuïc, where he was one of the figures of the match, in one of his most important games as an Atlético player.