Atletico Madrid could be without wonderkid Joao Felix ahead of their upcoming Champions League last-16 clash with Liverpool next month – and many supporters have reacted to the news on Twitter.
MADRID, SPAIN – JANUARY 26: Joao Felix of Atletico Madrid during the La Liga Santander match between Atletico Madrid v Leganes at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on January 26, 2020 in Madrid Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Two of Europe’s biggest heavyweights will come head-to-head in the knockout stages of the Champions League with the first leg due to take place at the Wanda Metropolitano on February 18 – and Felix is a doubt for the fixture.
The 2019 Golden Boy picked up a muscle injury against Leganes at the weekend which was detected by a scan before the club’s official website ruled him out of the derby against rivals Real Madrid on Saturday.
Felix, 20, is one of the best upcoming talents in Europe following his club-record £113m [BBC Sport] move to Atletico last summer. The former Benfica star now has 20 days to recover before the Champions League holders make their return to the Spanish capital following their European Cup triumph back in June.
The Portugal international has clocked up 24 appearances for the 2014 La Liga winners in all competitions this season, scoring four goals whilst registering two assists. However, the teenager is yet to score in La Liga since September and will now miss this weekend’s El Classico.
European and world champions Liverpool will not be fearing anyone following their record-breaking start to 2019/20 campaign. Jurgen Klopp’s side became the first team in Europe’s top-five leagues to register 67 points from a possible 69.
Meanwhile, Atletico are currently 10 points off of rivals Real Madrid who currently occupy the top of the La Liga table. The three-time Champions League runners-up are not the same beast they were a few years ago with the side still adjusting to the departures of some of their biggest stars such as Diego Godin, Antoine Griezmann, Rhodri and Lucas Hernandez.
Despite the setback to Felix, little has changed in terms of confidence in progressing from the tie and many supporters have reacted on Twitter following the Portuguese ace’s latest injury setback.
Aaahhhh advantage for Atletico
— Gilang (At ⛏) (@Gilangsitepu93) January 29, 2020
how did this fraud won Golden Boy Award ahead of Sancho is beyond me?
— 🇳🇵☀️🌙 (@Roccl93) January 29, 2020
Doesn’t matter, he’s the most overrated player I’ve ever seen
— Lloyd 🏴 (@Keeler1995) January 29, 2020
He's still young to play with Liverpool so his absence or present doesn't threat us #YNWA#
— Special [email protected]/20 (@LiverVsCovid19) January 29, 2020
https://twitter.com/3zizLFC/status/1222489608535015426
https://twitter.com/Dag7i/status/1222489380171984896