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Atletico Madrid Hit by Suspensions and Injuries Before Barcelona Test
23 Mar
Summary
- Atletico Madrid lost to Real Madrid for the first time in five years.
- Key players Cardoso and Llorente are suspended for the Barcelona match.
- Injuries to Mendoza and Barrios further deplete Atletico's midfield options.
Atletico Madrid's challenging fixture list continues after their recent Madrid derby loss to Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, marking their first defeat there in five years. The team now faces Barcelona without two crucial players, Marcos Llorente and Johnny Cardoso, who received suspensions due to yellow cards picked up during the derby.
Adding to manager Diego Simeone's selection woes, midfielders Rodrigo Mendoza and Pablo Barrios are out with injuries. Both are racing to recover for the Copa del Rey final in two weeks. There is some hope for the return of Jan Oblak and Marc Pubill from injury.
Given the midfield absences, captain Koke Resurreccion is expected to start, likely partnered by either Obed Vargas or Alex Baena. However, this upcoming match against Barcelona may serve as an opportunity for Simeone to rest players ahead of a more critical Champions League quarter-final first leg match.
