Atletico Madrid will receive a triple injury boost today, according to reports. It’s one that helps Diego Simeone out immensely.
Liverpoolfc.com reports that Atletico Madrid are set for a triple injury boost today. The Spaniards host Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League and there was a worry that their XI would be sub-standard.
Marcos Llorente was the latest doubt – he wasn’t sure himself if he’d make the game. It appears he’ll be fit, however, provided he passes a late fitness test.
More relief for Atletico comes in the form of Jose Gimenez. The Uruguayan returned from international duty with an issue, making him a big doubt for this one.
With Stefan Savic suspended, that created a big problem for Diego Simeone. Felipe and Mario Hermoso would have been his only available centre-backs. Given Atletico have played a back-three more often than not this season, they would have been short.
Instead, Gimenez is also ready to play, subject to a late fitness test. With that, Simeone can call upon his preferred formation vs Liverpool.
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And there’s another boost on top of that. Matheus Cunha – a summer signing from Hertha BSC – should return to face Liverpool. That boosts Atletico’s forward options, even if the Brazilian likely won’t start.
Atletico injury boost
Liverpool certainly would have had an easier game without this luck for Atletico. It appeared that Simeone would be forced into a Plan B for the Reds, unable to call on his preferred formation.
Jurgen Klopp’s side can be happy with a draw here but a win would be a giant step towards progression. In fact, it would make them overwhelming favourites to top the group.
We’ll still back them to get a positive result but that task is undoubtedly more difficult than it first looked.