Simeone’s anxious wait on three stars ahead of Madrid derby

Atlético returned to Madrid and with no time to waste have already started preparing for Sunday’s derby against Real Madrid. Last night’s defeat in Leverkusen has left the team wounded, but there is no time to reflect as the focus now is on correcting the many errors shown in the second Champions League group game.

The players who started yesterday’s game spent today’s session working out in the gym - only Kondogbia, De Paul, Carrasco, Griezmann, Correa and Cunha appeared out on the pitch. They trained alongside players from the youth team, focusing mainly on ball work. Simeone’s main doubts for Sunday’s derby meeting with Real Madrid are in defence. Against Bayer Leverkusen and Celta, the coach was without Oblak, Giménez and Savic, three fundamental members of his backline.

Update on Reguilón and Lemar

The three players continue working apart to be available as soon as possible. None of them have been ruled out for the derby but the possibility of them entering the squad or being eligible to start will depend on how they evolve over the course of the next couple of days. In the case of the defenders, their return will not be forced if they are not completely recovered, as to avoid a possible relapse. Reguilón and Lemar are the other two casualties at Atleti. The left-back remains out recovering from a groin operation and is expected to return after the international break while the French midfielder is still experiencing discomfort which has prevented him from a regular role so far this season.