Atlético de Madrid faces one of its most demanding outings of the season with an outlook that is getting more complicated by the minute. A few days before visiting San Mamés (a historically hostile stadium for the red and white), the club confirmed this Wednesday three new injuries that hit Diego Simeone’s planning. Johnny Cardoso, Álex Baena and José María Giménez underwent medical tests and were all ruled out for the match against Athletic Club.
Cardoso, Baena and Giménez go to the infirmary: which injury each one suffers from
The spate of setbacks began last match, when Johnny Cardoso had to be substituted prematurely in the 14th minute after a heavy blow. Examinations revealed that the American suffered
In the case of Álex Baena, who was substituted in the 62nd minute, the club confirmed a low-grade muscle injury in his left thigh. Something similar happens with José María Giménez, who has a slight muscle injury, in his case in his right leg.
Although these are not serious injuries, they all force you to stop your competitive activity immediately.
Five casualties and a major challenge: Simeone’s puzzle
The absences of Cardoso, Baena and Giménez do not come alone: they join the already known absences of Marcos Llorente and Robin Le Normand, leaving Atlético with five significant absentees in a key stretch of the season.
For Simeone, building a competitive eleven at San Mamés will be a complex task, especially considering the context: Atlético has lost four of its last six visits to the Bilbao stadium, a scenario that usually demands the maximum from its players.
The lack of rotation and the forced tactical modifications could condition the team’s proposal in a direct duel for the top positions in the standings.
A return without a date: developments will dictate the timetable
The club confirmed that the players have already begun physiotherapy sessions and rehabilitation work, but avoided giving specific deadlines for their return. The medical report was clear: the return of the three players will depend on the evolution of their respective injuries.
For now, Simeone will have to recompose the pieces, adjust roles and trust that the team will respond in one of the most demanding stadiums in the championship.
