Arsenal have got a great push in their dream to win Champions League this season. Atletico Madrid have got some fresh injury scare. Two of their key players may get sidelined for the Champions League semi final against Arsenal.
READ MORE: Arsenal faces hard time as Arteta substitutes Eberechi Eze
How was the road to semis of Champions League for Arsenal and Atletico Madrid?
Arsenal have been through a dream run in their league phase of the Champions League, this season. They had won each of their eight matches in the UCL league stage. The Gunners defeated every opponents in a convincing manner to bet at the top of the league table. Interestingly, the London club has already faced Atletico Madrid this season. Arsenal won that match 4-0 at Emirates.
On the other hand, Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid had a mixed path. They did produce some good football performances in the league stage. But loss to English sides like Arsenal and Liverpool is a source of tension for their semi final match. Atleti had also suffered a loss against this season’s giant killer, Bodo Glimt. In the quarter finals, they have knocked out their rivals Barcelona from the competition’s. This feat may give them some boost in the UCL.
READ NEXT: Arsenal to finalize “Dual Deal” with Jeremy Monga & Ederson
Atletico Madrid’s injury curse is Arsenal’s boon
As per reports, Atletico Madrid’s two key players, Ademola Lookman and Alexander Sorloth may be out for injury. They are expected to be excluded for the next two match. Atleti will be facing next Elche and Athletic Bilbao in La Liga before Arsenal in Champions League semi final. They would want to return before the Arsenal game at Wanda Metropolitano but that remains a question.
Nigerian forward, Ademola Lookman’s condition is more critical. This has occured in their last match. He is going through edema in his adductor muscles. This will keep him out for atleast one week. The duration is making him more doubtful for the Arsenal match. ATM would desperately want him in the team. Since joining from Atalanta this winter, he has become a vital player for them.
Their main striker, Alexander Sorloth has suffered a contusion. He is more likely to rejoin the squad before the semi final game. Nevertheless, club’s medical team would try to make him properly fit for Champions League match. The Norwegian striker has netted the ball 17 times this season in 48 games.
Key Statistic:
Ademola Lookman has 15 goal contributions in 37 appearances for Atletico Madrid and Atalanta this season, as per Sofascore.
ALSO READ: Arsenal set to test €60m move for Andrea Cambiaso in latest twist
In what state will both the teams face each other in UCL?
Recently, Atletico Madrid lost their Copa Del Rey final against Real Sociedad. This is a major setback for the team. A cup final defeat and a potential loss of two crucial forwards would give Arsenal a huge boost. La Liga has now become a two horse race. Either Barcelona or Real Madrid would take the league title. Therefore, Atleti has only one trophy to fight for and that is UCL.
Here in England, Arsenal are in major trouble. The Gunners also lost EFL Cup final against Manchester City few weeks back. In the next match, they got eliminated from the FA Cup by Southampton. And in the last match, they were again beaten by Man City in Premier League.
This has led to a reduction in the points gap between them to 3 points. The London side has been seen to loosen their grip from the league title. They want to achieve a double by winning the UCL and EPL. Beating Atleti may not be a huge problem as they have done that before in this campaign.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add Football Express as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Follow the latest updates from Premier League and Champions League, or explore more football stories across Europe. Follow more updates on ARSENAL and ATLETICO MADRID. You can also check Latest Football News or visit Football Express for more updates.
Subhabrata Pal
Subhabrata Pal is a junior football writer who has contributed articles covering key developments in football. His work focuses on match events, player performances, and the narratives that shape discussions among fans and the wider football community. Through his contributions to Football Express, Subhabrata produced football coverage aimed at keeping readers informed about important moments, tactical trends, and evolving storylines. His writing blends clear reporting with analytical insights to deliver engaging and informative content for football enthusiasts.
Recommended for you