Diego Pablo Simeone has announced his squad list for the clash against Valencia and there is once again a notable absence. Pablo Barrios will be out for several weeks after it was announced that he has a muscle injury in his left leg. However, it is Thomas Lemar who is attracting all attention, who is still not included in Simeone's list this season.
To date, Atlético de Madrid has not made official any medical report revealing a physical problem in the French midfielder. In fact, he had minutes in the pre-season friendlies, even wearing the captain's armband against Kitchee SC. At the moment, it is unknown when his return will be, but the midfield of the red-and-white team will continue for several weeks with few alternatives .
Thomas Lemar remains sidelined
Nobody at the Colchoneros has revealed any details about the world champion, who remains out at Cerro del Espino . In the five lists of players that Simeone has offered, Thomas Lemar has been left out of all of them. In addition, it must be taken into account that Pablo Barrios ' injury leaves the Argentine with very few options to rotate in the midfield.
Thomas Lemar had minutes in the pre-season friendlies, but the sporting management tried to find a way out of the squad for him. No club was willing to take the Frenchman, for whom they were even willing to accept a loan . This season, he has stayed at Atlético de Madrid and, at least until January, he is a player who could have a leading role .
He is also not training with the rest of his teammates, doing exercises alone as if he were recovering from an injury. Since his arrival in 2018 , the biggest obstacle that Thomas Lemar has suffered has been physical problems. He has never been able to find consistency and has always ended up missing too many matches, preventing him from seeing his best level .
A replacement for Pablo Barrios
Simeone only has three midfielders at his disposal, with few alternatives to replace the Atletico youth player. It would be a great opportunity for Rodrigo de Paul and Conor Gallagher , who are fighting to make a place for themselves in the engine room. The English international already started against Athletic Club , leaving very good impressions and receiving praise from the fans.
Rodrigo de Paul continues to have the full confidence of Simeone , who has always given him plenty of minutes on the pitch. He has been present in both of Argentina's matches during this September break and could be back in the starting line-up today against Valencia . Koke is obviously an indispensable piece and is expected to continue leading the midfield while awaiting the return of Pablo Barrios .