Diego Simeone’s side have been handed a boost ahead of their Champions League tie against Manchester United later this month.
Their star man, Antoine Griezmann, who returned to the club in the summer, is believed to be ‘very close’ to returning to action after struggling with a muscular injury.
Griezmann’s last match in La Liga came on December 12, against Real Madrid when he had to be replaced at half-time, but it sounds like Atleti could have him back in time to face United.
Atelti forward Joao Felix has already been talking about facing his Portuguese compatriots — Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot — at Old Trafford and we are sure he’ll want Griezmann lining up alongside him in attack for the clash.
According to Marca, Atletico Madrid’s medical staff now is exercising “maximum caution” with Griezmann. They have ruled him out of Saturday’s game against Getafe and Wednesday’s meeting with Levante, but that doesn’t destroy his chances of being fit to face United.
We will be keeping an eye on Atleti’s upcoming games to see if Griezmann returns.
He could get some minutes at Osasuna before United visit Madrid.
SN’s verdict
In my opinion, it won’t make a different who Atleti have fit on the night. United are going to be up against it.
We couldn’t get past Boro in the FA Cup, so you just know that we are going to make hard work of this tie.
Maybe Ateti’s form — losing 7 of their last 12 games — gives us reason to hope.