Atlético de Madrid faces a very important match this Saturday against a Villarreal team looking to get closer to the spots that grant access to the Champions League. The Yellow Submarine achieved a landslide victory in the last round against Real Mallorca to continue moving closer to their goal in the standings. Meanwhile, the Red and Whites achieved an epic comeback against Bayer Leverkusen to settle among the top eight in the table.
Saturday's duel is going to be very demanding, as the team led by Marcelino has a less demanding schedule, allowing for more rest. Additionally, barring any surprises, Simeone won't be able to count on some important players, two of them due to suspension after being booked in Leganés. This morning, the training session included two youth players who could be drafted next weekend.
Simeone and Two Significant Absences
Atlético de Madrid wanted to quickly forget the defeat against Leganés by seeking a prestigious victory against Bayer Leverkusen. It was not easy to overcome the German champion, but a brace by Julián Alvarez would certify another comeback for the Red and Whites. Now, the team trains in Majadahonda with their sights set on the new commitment against Villarreal on Saturday.
For that demanding match, Simeone won't be able to count on Clement Lenglet or Javi Galán, who has had to undergo medical tests. Both will have to serve a suspension against the Yellow Submarine, forcing the Argentine coach to find two reliable substitutes. In this situation, everything points to Reinildo and Robin Le Normand being chosen to complete a defense that will need to show all its reliability again.
Two Youth Players in Majadahonda
In light of these confirmed absences, Pablo Pérez and Ilias Kostis, members of Fernando Torres's reserve team, have been on the field at Cerro del Espino. Although it's not certain that both will be included in the team list, they would be the potential choices to reinforce the defense if necessary. Additionally, Alexander Sorloth has been able to step on the field today, although it's still uncertain if he will be able to face his former club.
Álex Baena, who has been at the center of a major controversy in recent hours, will be at the Metropolitano, albeit dressed in yellow. An unfortunate action caused the Spanish international to inflict a trauma on a Real Mallorca player, something heavily criticized on social media. The player has come out to defend himself against all those accusations and even to expose those who accused him of doing it premeditatedly.