Atletico Madrid have been hit with a potential triple injury setback just days before facing Liverpool in the Champions League. The Spanish side will travel to Anfield on Wednesday night for their opening league phase fixture of the competition.
Liverpool will be aiming for a stronger campaign this time around, having exited at the last-16 stage last season following a penalty shootout defeat to eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain. Despite that disappointment, the Reds enjoyed an excellent league phase run, winning their first seven matches and finishing top of the new 36-team table.
Arne Slot has already had to contend with several injury concerns in the opening weeks of the season, and now Atletico boss Diego Simeone may have problems of his own.
Julian Alvarez, David Hancko, and Robin Le Normand all picked up knocks during Atletico’s 2-0 victory over Villarreal on Saturday, with each player forced off the pitch.
Speaking after the match, Simeone admitted the trio will be assessed further:
“We haven’t spoken to the doctors of each of the boys yet. Generally, it’s discomfort, bruises, and his ankle is twisted. We’ll have more information tomorrow morning.”
Simeone later confirmed that Hancko twisted his ankle against Villarreal, with further tests required to determine if the defender will miss the trip to Anfield.
“He twisted his ankle a little, so we’ll have more information on Sunday morning,” the Atletico manager added.
Both teams will now wait anxiously on fitness updates ahead of Wednesday’s heavyweight showdown at Anfield.