Atlético de Madrid returns to the field this afternoon with an exciting match against Villarreal, a club aspiring to enter the next Champions League. Meanwhile, the red-and-white team will definitely be without Javi Galán, who is both suspended and injured, and Clement Lenglet, who is also suspended. Marcelino, meanwhile, will not be able to count on Dani Parejo, who will not travel to the Metropolitano and represents a significant loss for the Yellow Submarine.
The list of call-ups will be released in the coming hours, but everything suggests that Simeone might have a major surprise in the form of a recovery. The Colchoneros face this new challenge after an impressive comeback against Bayer Leverkusen and with the goal of trying to regain the lead. Additionally, an eye will be on the visit to Salzburg, where they will seek to enter the top eight of the Champions League and avoid a preliminary round.
The LaLiga Goal Scorer Returns
Villarreal has always been a very tough opponent for Atlético de Madrid, especially with Marcelino managing from the bench. In the first leg, the red-and-whites had to equalize the score twice, ending that match with a 2-2 draw. Precisely, in that encounter, Alexander Sorloth officially debuted and today might find himself back on the bench.
The Norwegian forward was injured during the visit to Elche and has been unavailable for the last two matches the Colchoneros have faced. Yesterday, he trained with the rest of his teammates, and everything indicates he might be available to face his former team today at the Metropolitano. Even so, it seems there will be few changes in the starting eleven that Diego Pablo Simeone will bet on, as it is expected to be very similar to last Tuesday's.
Alexander Sorloth Wants to Contribute
Despite not being a regular starter, the Norwegian remains the top scorer for Atlético de Madrid in the league championship after reaching eight goals. He has been crucial coming off the bench, achieving significant victories against Deportivo Alavés, Getafe, or Barça. In fact, Simeone has greatly missed a player with the characteristics of Alexander Sorloth, a footballer with great aerial power.
Everything points to that forward line being formed by Antoine Griezmann and Julián Alvarez, the top scorers of the team and the usual duo up front. The Argentine faces this match after a heroic brace against Bayer Leverkusen, and the Frenchman seeks to regain his best form. Having the entire team engaged and at 100% is essential to continue in the same good dynamic and stay in the fight for all the titles.