Atlético de Madrid begins a very demanding new week with an eye on this Wednesday's visit to Salzburg in the final matchday of the Champions League. The Colchoneros, thanks to an impressive comeback these months, have settled in the upper part of the table and are seeking direct passage to the round of 16. Their opponent is already eliminated and has been one of the worst-performing teams in this phase of the continental tournament.
However, the red-and-white team faces this commitment with a bitter feeling after earning only one point in LaLiga in the last two matchdays. In general, they were superior to both Leganés and Villarreal, but the lack of decisiveness in attack weighed too heavily on the club. Now, Simeone is starting to plan his starting eleven to overcome the Austrian team and avoid a preliminary round in February.
Simeone and an Anticipated Return
The good news, although it was already official against Villarreal, is that Alexander Sorloth is recovered from his injury and could return to the field. He was close to coming on against the Yellow Submarine, although the last change ended up being Marcos Llorente to seek more depth. It wouldn't be surprising if the Norwegian forward could start, as Atlético de Madrid will seek victory from the first minute.
The Champions League is the only tournament in which Alexander Sorloth hasn't been able to debut this season, something he will look to change in the match against Salzburg. He is the top scorer for the red-and-white team in LaLiga and scored a brace in the last Copa del Rey tie against Elche. He has been a more significant absence for Simeone than initially expected and is poised to gain more importance in very decisive weeks.
Problems in Defense
Barring any surprises, there is a major doubt in Simeone's line-up, as Javi Galán will not be available due to injury to travel to Austria tomorrow. His position was filled by Reinildo against Villarreal, but he ended up being substituted at halftime after a very questioned performance by the fans. Therefore, it is not out of the question that César Azpilicueta will play in that left-back position, having performed very well last Saturday.
It is a position he knows very well, as Simeone used him there in the most challenging moment of last season, being one of the standout names. Otherwise, Josema Giménez will return to the starting line-up, although it is unclear who will replace the suspended Pablo Barrios, who was sent off against Bayer Leverkusen. Koke would be the most logical option, although there is a possibility that Conor Gallagher could change his position and Samuel Lino could start.