Atletico Madrid receive double injury boost for Arsenal semi-final
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has confirmed that forwards Ademola Lookman and Alexander Sorloth could recover from injury in time for next Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Arsenal in Spain.
The Spanish side host the Gunners in the capital before travelling to north London for the decisive reverse fixture six days later.
There were initial fears that the La Liga outfit would be without two crucial attackers for the highly anticipated European tie.
Simeone offers positive medical update
Lookman was forced off with a reported adductor issue during Atletico’s recent Copa del Rey final defeat.
His Norwegian team-mate completed that same match but also emerged with a physical complaint.
Both attackers were subsequently placed on individualised training programmes away from the main first-team squad to manage their fitness.
We’ll monitor Sorloth and Lookman after their minor injuries and see if they can recover for Saturday, the doctors say it’s possible.
Diego Simeone
The Argentine coach will be hoping his medical staff are correct ahead of this weekend’s domestic clash with Athletic Club.
Crucial firepower returning for out-of-form hosts
Having both players available would represent a significant lift for a team struggling for consistency.
Sorloth has been remarkably efficient in Europe this season, netting six Champions League goals despite starting just five matches in the competition.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian international winger has been in excellent recent touch, scoring three times in his last five appearances.
That domestic form includes a crucial equaliser against Real Sociedad on Saturday.
Semi-finalists desperate to find winning momentum
Neither club approaches this monumental knockout fixture in particularly impressive condition.
Mikel Arteta’s Premier League challengers have recorded just a single victory across their previous six matches.
Their Spanish opponents have fared even worse, managing only one win in their last eight outings across all competitions.
However, the English side will draw massive confidence from their previous European meeting earlier this campaign.
The north Londoners emphatically dismantled their upcoming opponents with a 4-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium during the league phase.
