Manchester United are heading to Madrid with several injury concerns, and Atletico Madrid have just received some very good news ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash.
While Michael Carrick faces questions over the availability of several players, Diego Simeone will have the luxury of a fully fit squad. Every Atletico player was available for Monday’s final training session.
It’s quite a contrast given United’s recent struggles with availability.
Atletico Madrid welcome everyone back
According to Spanish insider outlet Esto Es Atleti, Simeone had his entire squad available for Monday’s training session.
That includes Arnau Ortiz, who served his UEFA suspension against Liverpool and can now return to the team.
There are also positive developments concerning Alexander Sorloth and Pablo Barrios. Sorloth returned to action against Alaves on Saturday, coming off the bench in the closing stages. Barrios also made his comeback and started that match.
On top of that, EFE confirms that Atletico also have no suspensions ahead of Manchester United’s visit.
The Spanish side will gather on Tuesday afternoon before heading into their Champions League fixture that evening.
For Simeone, the timing couldn’t be much better. He can choose his strongest possible side without having to work around unavailable players.
A difficult trip at a difficult time
United also have some unpleasant memories of facing Simeone’s side. Their most recent meeting came in the 2021/22 Champions League round of 16. Atletico drew 1-1 in Madrid before winning 1-0 at Old Trafford through Renan Lodi.
The Spanish club also eliminated United from the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1991, winning 4-1 on aggregate.
Those results won’t weigh on Tuesday’s match, of course. However, the current circumstances certainly favour Atletico’s preparations.
Simeone can concentrate entirely on his tactical choices. And with Manchester United already under pressure to improve their results, travelling to Madrid with a depleted squad is hardly ideal.
