Why isn’t Jan Oblak playing for Atlético Madrid against Barcelona in the Champions League today?

Atlético Madrid will be without injured first-choice goalkeeper Jan Oblak for the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal against Barcelona on Wednesday.

The Slovenian star hasn’t played for Atleti since the 5-2 home win against Tottenham Hotspur in the round of 16 on March 10. Since then, Oblak has missed the team’s last four matches because of a muscle injury in his side. His absence has included the derby defeat to Real Madrid before the international break and the weekend loss to Barça.

Oblak had initially looked set to return to action for the clash at Spotify Camp Nou after returning to full training earlier in the week. However, the goalkeeper ultimately wasn’t named in the traveling squad and is still feeling discomfort.

Who will replace Oblak in goal against Barcelona?

Argentine goalkeeper Juan Musso will start his fifth straight game in Oblak’s absence against Barcelona. The 31-year-old first joined Atlético on loan from Atalanta at the start of the 2024-25 season before making the move permanent last summer.

Musso, who has three caps for Argentina, has made 20 appearances for the LaLiga club, more than half of which have come in the Copa del Rey.

Goalkeeper absence a major blow for Atlético

The absence of Oblak, long considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world, is a significant blow for Atlético, who have previously beaten Barcelona in their two Champions League knockout ties.

The Slovenian, 33, has won LaLiga’s Zamora Trophy, awarded to the goalkeeper with the lowest goals-against-to-games ratio, on six occasions, more than any other player.

Oblak was part of the Atlético team that reached the Champions League final in 2016, where they were beaten by bitter rivals Real Madrid in a penalty shootout in Milan.

Atlético Madrid injury report vs Barcelona

In addition to Oblak, Atleti will also be without defender José María Giménez, the USMNT’s Johnny Cardoso and fellow midfielder Pablo Barrios in Barcelona.

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