Tottenham Hotspur will face Atlético Madrid next week knowing they are likely to deal with the return of a key player. Spanish midfielder Pablo Barrios is expected to be back in Diego Simeone’s starting XI for the Champions League round of 16 first leg.
According to Spanish outlet AS, the 22-year-old has now recovered from the muscle injury that kept him sidelined for the last month. Medical tests this week confirmed he is ready to return to competitive action.
Barrios has not yet rejoined full group training. However, the plan is for him to return to team sessions immediately after Atlético’s league match against Real Sociedad. That timing gives him one session with the squad before facing Tottenham at the Metropolitano on Tuesday.
The Spanish side appear confident he will go straight back into the starting lineup.
Barrios suffered the injury during the Copa del Rey quarter-final against Real Betis. Atlético’s medical staff diagnosed a muscle problem in his right thigh, forcing him out for a month. In total, he has missed eight matches while recovering.
However, the midfielder worked individually during his rehabilitation with the clear objective of returning for the decisive part of the season. Atlético now enter a demanding period that includes Champions League knockout ties and the Copa del Rey final.
Key piece returning for Atlético
Barrios has become an important figure in Atlético’s midfield during the 2025-26 season. The academy graduate has taken on greater responsibility in Simeone’s system, contributing both defensively and in possession.
AS describe him as a player defined by “talent and personality”, highlighting his reading of the game, ball recoveries and ability to support attacks. Simeone himself has repeatedly praised the midfielder’s development.
“He has taken a step forward this season, with more weight in the team, and he must keep growing,” the Atlético manager has said about the youngster. He was even linked with Aston Villa during the January window.
For Atlético, his return means more than simply having a healthier squad. Simeone regains a midfielder he considers fundamental to the balance of the team.
Our take: another problem for Spurs
From Tottenham’s perspective, Barrios returning complicates an already difficult situation.
Spurs are going through a poor run of form, and the tie against Atlético was already shaping up as a tough challenge. Facing Simeone’s side without one of their key midfielders might have offered a small opening.
However, Barrios now looks set to return exactly in time for the Champions League clash.
Given his importance in Atlético’s midfield structure this season, his presence adds more control and energy to their engine room. For Tottenham, a difficult tie may now become even harder if the 22-year-old starts next week.
