Atlético de Madrid has returned to training after a few days of rest granted by Diego Pablo Simeone following the classic at Bernabéu. The red-and-whites began preparing for the important home match on Saturday against Celta de Vigo. The fight for the leadership of LaLiga is heating up, and now, Barcelona has fully re-entered the race.
Atlético de Madrid knows that Real Madrid has a very challenging away game this week, so they could drop points. The white team, after the wear and tear of the Champions League, will play against Osasuna at El Sadar, always a tough match. The opportunity to close the points gap is there, so Simeone knows the importance of securing the three points at home against Celta.
Azpilicueta, the Only Absence in the Return to Training
After the draw in the Madrid classic against Real Madrid, Atlético de Madrid enjoyed three days of rest before resuming activity this Wednesday. In the session, most of the players worked normally, including Rodrigo de Paul, who had raised doubts after leaving Santiago Bernabéu early. It was speculated that the Argentine might be injured, but it seems he is in perfect condition for next weekend.
However, the big news was the absence of Azpilicueta, who trained separately from the group with an alternative workout. Although his presence against Celta de Vigo is not ruled out, the fact that he wasn't with the rest of the team creates uncertainty.
Simeone Recovers Le Normand
The good news of the week is that Simeone will be able to count on Robin Le Normand for Saturday's match. The Spanish-French center-back was absent at Bernabéu due to an accumulation of yellow cards, so he had to serve a one-match suspension. Therefore, Cholo will recover one of his most important defensive pieces.
According to Mundo Deportivo, everything indicates that the one sacrificed on Saturday will be Clement Lenglet. Simeone might field a central pair formed by Josema Giménez and Robin Le Normand, leaving the Frenchman on the bench.