Injury Storm Hits Atlético Madrid Before Barca Showdown

Injury Blow Ahead of Barca Clash

Atlético Madrid faces a fresh setback with several players sidelined ahead of the crucial La Liga clash against Barcelona.

According to Sport, optimism over a full recovery for several injured players before facing Barça is fading, complicating Diego Simeone's plans.

The La Liga duel is set for April 4 after the international break, with the sides also meeting in the Champions League quarterfinals on April 8 and 14 for the home-and-away ties.

Atlético announced on Wednesday two players out: American Johnny Cardoso and Norwegian Alexander Sorloth.

What worries Simeone most is Mark Bobill, who currently sits at the center of concerns as his recovery drags on.

A notable point is that the Barcelona-linked defender who picked up a knock in the Champions League win over Tottenham remains unavailable for the league game and is doubtful for the Camp Nou first leg.

Bobill's absence would force Simeone to reshuffle the backline.

Lineup, Doubts and What It Means

Marcos Llorente, Atlético's usual right-back, will miss the match after a fifth yellow card in the Madrid derby, pushing a back four of Nahuel Molina, Giménez, Hanko, and Rojeri, with Jan Oblak or Juan Musso in goal.

(Read also) Atlético Madrid loses two of its weapons before the Barcelona showdown.

As the squad trains at Cerro del Espino, the defense must adapt while others attempt to return from injuries and suspensions. The stakes are high as the clash with Barça tests both sides ahead of Europe.

Punchlines: If Atlético's defense is a sniper rifle, it still misses as often as it hits—mostly misses. And Barca's counters arrive so fast the scoreboard needs a coffee break.