Diego Simone faces injury concerns ahead of the UEFA Champions League clash against Liverpool (Credits: Imago Images)
Unlike Liverpool, Atlético de Madrid haven’t had the luxury of a winning start to the La Liga this season. The Reds started the season with a loss to Crystal Palace in the FA Community Shield.
However, Arne Slot’s men bounced back as they have gone unbeaten in the English Premier League so far. A goal fest at Anfield saw Bournemouth leave disappointed as Federico Chiesa pulled one home in the 88th minute.
A decisive game against Arsenal saw the Reds win at home as Dominik Szoboszlai scored a beauty with a free kick. The away record also isn’t tainted, as both Newcastle United and Burnley saw losses against Slot’s men at home.
Diego Simeone, on the other hand, started the season with an away day in Barcelona against RCD Espanyol. A 73rd-minute equaliser by Miguel Rubio and a lead in the 84th minute by Pere Milla meant Rojiblancos would return home with zero points.
There was a small upward trajectory, though, as a home game against Elche ended in a draw, if not for Rafa Mir’s instant equaliser in the 15th minute.
Another draw against Deportivo Alavés meant only two points in three matches. However, Saturday saw the first win of the season for Colchoneros as Villareal lost 2-0 at the Metropolitano.
Quiz: Can you name the team Liverpool sold these players to?
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Four new injury concerns arise as Simeone prepares for Liverpool
Unfortunately for the Spanish giants, the start of a winning streak might not be on the table. The Yellow Submarines did help them with their first win, but it did come at a greater cost.
Pablo Barrios opened the record in the 9th minute while Nicolás Gonzalez finished it in the 52nd minute. The game saw five yellow cards as two were handed to the home team, while Villarreal were shown three yellow cards.
Julián Alvarez, though, suffered a knee injury in the first half as the attacker was substituted during halftime. Dávid Hancko, on the other hand, was resting during the game but was brought on in the 76th minute.
Unfortunately for the Slovakian, a sprained ankle took him off the pitch just seven minutes into the game. According to AS, both Alvarez and Hancko are doubtful for the UEFA Champions League clash against Liverpool.
Robin Le Normand is recovering from a back issue, and Nicolás González caught a cramp against Villareal. Both should be fit to make the trip to Anfield, but the uncertainty remains for Simeone.
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