Atlético de Madrid has recently gone through a short period with numerous absences in their squad due to injuries. The best example is Koke, who has missed several matches due to a muscle injury, although he is now available. Rodrigo de Paul and Clement Lenglet were also doubtful until the last moment, as they had finished the previous Sunday in Getafe with knocks.
However, beyond the physical aspect, Simeone will certainly have an absence that will be out for a month, barring any surprises. Tonight, the red-and-whites face Real Madrid in a Metropolitano that will be packed to the rafters with the firm objective of advancing in the Champions League. Cholo has his entire squad available, although he won't be able to say the same once LaLiga returns next weekend against Barça.
Significant Loss for Atlético de Madrid
The defeat against Getafe was an emotional blow, as the colchonero team was ahead on the scoreboard with less than 10 minutes remaining. However, the worst news came in the disciplinary aspect, as Ángel Correa is expected to be sanctioned for the upcoming matches. According to Mundo Deportivo yesterday, the RFEF would decide to impose a five-match ban following his insults to Cuadra Fernández.
It should be remembered that the Rosario native was sent off for a harsh tackle on Djene in the second half, leaving the field with some harsh words to the referee. All of this was recorded in the match report, and considering some precedents, it was expected that he would face a severe sanction. Being more than four matches, he will also be unavailable for the return leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals against FC Barcelona in early April.
Simeone Loses His Secret Weapon
The absence of Ángel Correa is more significant than it seems, as he has always been one of the players capable of changing matches from the bench. He has scored almost 90 goals for Atlético de Madrid, being one of the best substitutes in both LaLiga and Europe in recent years. In a season where the red-and-whites have managed to save several matches in the final minutes, the absence of the world champion could be decisive.
The alternative could be a Rodrigo Riquelme who is having little prominence and whose future at the Metropolitano is increasingly complicated. Simeone could also opt to promote one of the strikers from the reserve team, something he already did with Adrián Niño in the defeat against Leganés in Butarque. It will be an important month, although everything could be conditioned by what happens today against Real Madrid in the Champions League.