Atletico Madrid Battles Injuries Amidst Losing Streak

Atletico Madrid is set to return to La Liga action on Saturday with a home fixture against Athletic Club. The team currently sits fourth in the league standings, seven points clear of fifth-placed Real Betis. However, their recent performance has been a cause for worry, marked by four consecutive league defeats.

This worrying trend extends across all competitions, with seven losses in their last eight matches, including a Copa del Rey final penalty shootout defeat. Despite this dip, their home form has been a consistent positive, securing 13 wins out of 16 games played at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.

Manager Diego Simeone faces significant selection issues. Thiago Almada is suspended following a red card, and José María Giménez remains sidelined with a muscle injury. Dávid Hancko is also a doubt. In attack, Ademola Lookman is out with an adductor injury, though he may return for a potential Champions League semi-final. Positive news includes the return of Jan Oblak and Pablo Barrios to the squad.