Credit: Getty Images
Atletico Madrid have suffered a fresh injury concern ahead of their Champions League semi-final showdown with Arsenal, after Pablo Barrios was forced off during their 3-2 victory over Athletic Club on Saturday night.
The Spanish midfielder limped off just before the hour mark with what has since been confirmed as a thigh problem, raising serious doubts over his availability for both legs against the Gunners.
FREE DAILY NEWSLETTER
The daily Arsenal FC newsletter
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
[According to the Evening Standard](https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/atletico-madrid-pablo-barrios-injury-latest-arsenal-fc-champions-league-b1280012.html), Atletico Madrid released a statement confirming: “Barrios, substituted in the second half after feeling muscular discomfort in his left thigh. Pending further tests.”
Barrios had been recalled to Diego Simeone’s starting lineup as part of sweeping changes following their disappointing 3-2 loss to Elche. The midfielder’s visible discomfort when being substituted and subsequent club confirmation suggests he faces a race against time to be fit for Wednesday’s first leg at the Emirates Stadium.
Double injury worry for Simeone
-------------------------------
The Spanish side’s injury concerns don’t end there, with Ademola Lookman also remaining a major doubt. The Nigeria international has still not recovered from the knock he sustained during Atletico’s Copa del Rey final defeat to Real Sociedad and missed the weekend victory.
Lookman’s pace and direct running could have posed a significant threat to Arsenal’s defence, making his potential absence a boost for Mikel Arteta’s side ahead of the crucial European tie.
However, Simeone did receive some positive news with Alexander Sorloth’s return to action. The Norwegian striker marked his comeback with a brace against Athletic Club, taking his season tally to 19 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions.
Rotation ahead of Arsenal clash
-------------------------------
The Atletico manager made tactical decisions with Wednesday’s fixture firmly in mind, resting joint-top scorer Julian Alvarez completely. Key players Marcos Llorente, Koke and Antoine Griezmann all started before being substituted in the second half, suggesting they will be fresh for the Champions League encounter.
Griezmann also found the back of the net in the victory, demonstrating the attacking threat Arsenal will face despite the injury concerns within Atletico’s squad.
The semi-final first leg takes place at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night, with Arsenal looking to reach their first Champions League final since 2006. Any absences from Atletico’s squad could provide the Gunners with a crucial advantage as they seek to progress to the final.