Atletico Madrid could have a big injury concern ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final against Manchester City.
The Spanish champions make the trip to the Etihad for the first leg of the last-eight meeting, with both sides heading into the clash on the back of impressive wins at the weekend. While City comfortably saw off Burnley with a 2-0 win at Turf Moor, Atletico thrashed Alaves 4-1 at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Joao Felix and Luis Suarez both grabbed braces as Diego Simeone’s side continued their recent fine run of form to boost their hopes of finishing in the top four in La Liga. The victory was Atletico’s sixth straight win in all competitions.
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It wasn’t all good news for Simeone and his team on Saturday, though. As they turn their attention towards City, they could have to travel to the Etihad without one of their influential defenders.
Jose Maria Gimenez was forced off five minutes from time during Saturday’s win over Alaves. While there has been no official confirmation of an injury to the centre-back, the 27-year-old didn’t look too comfortable as he made his way to the bench after being asked to be brought off.
Gimenez’s absence would be a big blow for Atletico, with the Uruguay international having formed a solid partnership with former City defender Stefan Savic. The visitors are already without Yannick Carrasco as he serves the final match of his European ban.
Simeone is relishing the opportunity to come up against City and Pep Guardiola as he turns his attention back to the Champions League. Atletico will be looking for more success in Manchester, having knocked out Manchester United in the previous round.
“We follow the same line and we don’t have to look at anything differently in La Liga”, Simeone told Marca. “However, the Champions League is another thing, and we are up against an extraordinary opponent who are playing very well.”
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