One of the biggest unknowns still being experienced at the Metropolitano has to do with the situation facing Thomas Lemar. For the moment, the Frenchman has not played a single minute this season, missing most of the matches this season. He returned to the squad against Real Madrid last weekend, although he was not involved in the draw against their eternal rival.
He has also travelled to Lisbon for tomorrow's match against Benfica , which could give him a golden opportunity to feel like a footballer again. For weeks now, Simeone has had very few alternatives in midfield, something caused by Pablo Barrios ' injury. The Argentine coach is looking to make some changes and Thomas Lemar could have the opportunity to return to the pitch.
Thomas Lemar is waiting for his chance
The French midfielder has not played any official match since he suffered a serious injury in the away match against Valencia . At the end of last season he returned to training with the group, but Simeone did not give him any minutes. In pre-season he was with the rest of his teammates and was able to participate in most of the friendlies that were held in the summer.
However, he has already missed most of Atlético Madrid's matches this season. He was included in the squad for the match against Real Madrid , although his long period of inactivity meant that he was unable to get any minutes in a very difficult match. Thomas Lemar will also be in tomorrow's match against Benfica and could make a comeback that has been expected for over a year.
Simeone does not have many options in the engine room, having to relegate Koke to the bench in the match against Real Madrid. Rodrigo de Paul played the full 90 minutes in the derby, while Conor Gallagher has started several games. In this scenario, Thomas Lemar could have the opportunity to add some minutes , even if only in the second half, for tomorrow.
Waiting for Pablo Barrios
Although the Atlético youth player is not yet available , he was already training on the Majadahonda pitch yesterday. Atlético de Madrid they are confident that he will be ready for Sunday's clash against Real Sociedad . At the start of the season, Pablo Barrios was very important , being one of those who had shown the best performance on the pitch.
On the other hand, everything points to the fact that he will not be called up to the Spanish national team for this month's break and could recover his physical form. The red-and-white team will face a home match against Leganés once the international matches are over. By then, the sanctions imposed on the colchoneros after the throwing of objects that occurred last Sunday will be known.