Simeone tries out same XI that beat Sevilla - without Oblak...
Atlético de Madrid trained in Majadahonda on Friday in preparation for Sunday's showdown with Barcelona. The keeper wasn't in the expected line-up.
Atlético de Madrid continued with their preparations for Sunday's meeting with Barcelona - the outcome of which could well have a big say in the league title race. Atleti have reduced Barça's advantage in the table to just five points and today's session in Majadahonda gave us some clues as to the line-up which could start at Camp Nou. During a break in the rain on another chilly day in the capital, Simeone tried out practically the same XI which thrashed Sevilla 2-5 last weekend in a practice game on the artificial pitch at the Cerro del Espino. Just one player was missing in the team which he is expected to field on Sunday - goalkeeper Jan Oblak...
Lucas returns
The goalkeeper didn't train outside with the rest of the squad and his absence caused some apprehension among members of the press as second choice keeper Miguel Ángel Moyá recently left to join Real Sociedad with the transfer market closed until the summer. The team which Simeone tried out, minus Oblak, was: Vrsaljko, Giménez, Godín, Filipe, Thomas, Gabi, Saúl, Koke, Griezmann and Diego Costa.
The big news in Friday's session was the reappearance of Lucas Hernández, who is back training as normal and could enter the list for Sunday's game. The French defender suffered an injury to his left adductor during the Week 24 win against Athletic Club and has missed the team's last three games.
