Atlético de Madrid needs to turn the page after the draw against Celta de Vigo and will seek a significant victory in their visit to Valencia this Saturday. The red-and-whites are going through a small slump in LaLiga after losing to Leganés and also drawing against Villarreal at the Metropolitano. They now have only two points from the last six possible and don't want to fall behind the top of the standings where FC Barcelona is situated.
Simeone will have the confirmed absence of Pablo Barrios, who must serve a suspension after receiving a red card in the match against the Galician team. However, he won't be the only player unavailable for the visit to Mestalla, as a new problem for the colchoneros was confirmed this very morning. Specifically, a muscle injury leaves the midfield with very few alternatives at a decisive moment in the season with everything at stake.
Injury in Atlético de Madrid
The footballers returned to training this morning in Majadahonda with their sights set on the next matchday, which will be played this Saturday. However, the most relevant news was the announcement of the muscle injury suffered by Koke, which will keep him in the infirmary for several weeks. The captain was regaining much prominence in recent weeks, taking advantage of Pablo Barrios's unavailability in several matches.
He was expected to be a starter against Valencia due to his teammate's suspension, but now Simeone must find a new partner for Rodrigo de Paul. Barring any surprises, the Argentine coach only has two options to fill that vacant spot in the midfield of the colchonero team. The most logical option seems to be Conor Gallagher, but Marcos Llorente also positions himself as an option in the center of the field.
Koke Falls at the Worst Moment
Many thought that Atlético de Madrid needed a reinforcement in the midfield during the winter transfer window, as what is happening now could occur. Pablo Barrios's suspension has coincided with the captain's injury, leaving Simeone with very few alternatives in a match that could be crucial for the title. Last season, the red-and-whites were heavily defeated by Valencia in one of the worst matches of the entire season, something they want to avoid.
Moreover, the next month will be crucial for the red-and-whites' interests, as they will play all their chances of winning a trophy. It's also worth remembering that next week the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals will be played against Barça, and Koke won't be available either. The good news is that Pablo Barrios would return after his suspension in the league championship, although it remains to be seen if he will be a starter.