Giménez out of Champions League matches v Real Madrid
Atlético Madrid have trouble at the back with Sime Vrsaljko and Juanfran all but ruled out of the Champions League semi-final first leg and now José Giménez out for both legs tooBarcelona-Sporting CP live online
José María Giménez is out of both legs of the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid after limping out of Atlético Madrid's 0-5 victory in Las Palmas with a muscle problem. The player underwent tests, with the injury being confirmed by the club as a Grade II thigh strain in his left leg.
As is standard, Atlético didn't give a timeframe for the player's recovery, but in general a grade II muscle injury would take around three to four weeks to heal, meaning the player will be struggling to get back in time for the end of the season, and he will definitely miss both legs of the Champions League semi-final against Atleti's city rivals.
Simeone's full back conundrum
Giménez was was replaced by Thomas Partey on 67 minutes against Las Palmas, and this latest injury gives Diego Simeone a major headache at right back. Both Sime Vrsaljko and Juanfran have been all but ruled out of the derby match and meaning none of Atlético’s recognized right backs are available for the opening leg against Zidane's men.
This being the case Simeone will probably turn to Stefan Savic, who often plays in that position for Montenegro, to fill in alongside Diego Godín, Lucas Hernández and Filipe Luis.
Simeone's options for Real Madrid match
Other options for the Atlético boss are to drop Koke back into defense or play Partey, who generally operates as a deep-lying midfielder, as a full back.
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