Atletico Madrid defeated Villarreal over the weekend to earn their first victory of the season amid some setbacks.
Diego Simeone may thus be missing two starters for his side’s midweek trip to Liverpool for their opening game of the 2025–26 Champions League.
It will be decided before kickoff if Atleti can count on Julian Alvarez along with vital defender David Hancko when they meet Liverpool on Wednesday.
Diario AS as reported by Football Espana confirmed that both players suffered koncks during the team’s victory over Villarreal at the RiyadhAir Metropolitano.
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Simeone had to substitute Alvarez at halftime because of knee pain that he was experiencing during the first half against the Yellow Submarines. Minutes after entering the game late in the second half, Hancko was forced off due to a sprained ankle.
The availability of both players to go to Liverpool for Atleti’s Champions League opener will be decided within the following day.
Rojiblancos will be itching to have them on hand since it would significantly improve their chances of winning at Anfield.
Not only did Alvarez and Hancko take hits against Villarreal, but Robin Le Normand and Nicolas Gonzalez also request to be substituted.
On the plus side, though, club officials think both players will be fit to play against Liverpool on Wednesday.
Atleti will now have to wait for more information regarding Alvarez and Hancko, but if neither is able to travel, they will be added to the list of injured players, which also includes Alex Baena, Thiago Almada, and Jose Maria Gimenez.
None of these players will be able to feature against Liverpool in the Champions League opening.
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