Atlético de Madrid will hold its final training session tomorrow before traveling to Salzburg, where the traditional pre-match press conference will take place. It won't be the most demanding match for the "colchoneros," but they can't afford any distractions, as the stakes are very high. A victory on Austrian soil will allow the "rojiblanco" team to advance directly to the Champions League round of 16, bypassing a preliminary stage.
Simeone conducted a practice session this morning, providing some hints about who might be chosen to start on Wednesday. It is important to consider the suspensions and injuries that the Argentine coach will have to deal with to conclude the group stage. Tomorrow, he will conduct his final test, although there are still players who have a chance to be starters against a weaker opponent.
Simeone's Dilemma
The big question for Atlético de Madrid will be in the midfield, as Pablo Barrios will not be available after being sent off against Bayer Leverkusen. Rodrigo de Paul is certain to start after being rotated against Villarreal, needing a partner to complete Simeone's double pivot. According to this morning's practice, the one most likely to start is Koke, who was already a starter last Saturday.
However, it wasn't his best performance, so a positional change for Conor Gallagher can't be ruled out, as he usually plays on the left wing. He hasn't been entirely comfortable in that position, as his best performances for Chelsea and the English national team have been seen when playing centrally. Another option would be to use Axel Witsel, although this is a much more remote alternative, as he no longer plays there.
Reinildo in Trouble
Another doubt, albeit less significant, is in the defense, as Javi Galán's injury has created a serious problem at the left-back position for the "colchoneros." Reinildo showed a great level against Bayer Leverkusen, but he didn't maintain that good form in the last match against Villarreal. He would be replaced by a César Azpilicueta who improved the defense and is expected to start on Wednesday against Salzburg.
At the most crucial moment of last season, the Spanish international played numerous matches on the left side of the defense. It was a time when Simeone was seeking security in the backline, something that seemed impossible in a campaign where many goals were conceded. Everything indicates that this is an option the coach is seriously considering, while waiting for Javi Galán to recover and return to training.