Madrid – Atlético Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios has suffered a fresh injury setback, casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming La Liga match against Getafe. The 22-year-old, recently returning from a prior muscular injury, felt a sharp pain during training on Thursday morning, according to reports from Spanish outlet AS.com.
This latest development is a blow to both Barrios and Atlético manager Diego Simeone, who had hoped to reintegrate the young midfielder into the starting lineup. Barrios had recently made a brief appearance against Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League, marking his return to the pitch after a month-long absence. He had been sidelined previously due to a muscular issue sustained during a Copa del Rey match against Real Betis on February 5th.
The injury occurred during a practice match within the training session, as Barrios was reportedly in contention to start alongside Koke, Vargas, and Almada against Getafe. He immediately left the field accompanied by the club’s doctor, Óscar Celada, for further evaluation. The nature of the injury is currently believed to be muscular, but the full extent of the damage remains unknown pending medical tests.
Barrios’ return to fitness had been closely monitored by fans and the club alike, as he has shown promise as a key component in Simeone’s midfield. His absence adds to Atlético’s injury concerns, with forward Álvaro Morata and midfielder Marcos Llorente similarly unavailable for Thursday’s training session. Morata was absent for “personal reasons,” even as Llorente is recovering from a foot injury sustained during the match against Tottenham, though reports suggest he is likely to be fit for the Getafe clash.
The timing of this injury is particularly frustrating for Barrios, who was beginning to establish himself as a regular in Simeone’s squad. He has made 16 La Liga appearances this season, demonstrating his potential as a dynamic midfielder. Tottenham Hotspur has reportedly been monitoring Barrios’ situation, with some reports suggesting they were prepared to offer up to €70 million for his services, though his release clause remains at €120 million.
This latest injury could potentially impact any future transfer speculation surrounding the player. While Tottenham and other English clubs, including Liverpool and Chelsea, have shown interest, a prolonged period on the sidelines could deter potential suitors. The focus for Barrios now will be on recovery and regaining full fitness, allowing him to contribute to Atlético’s push for success in both La Liga and the Champions League.
Atlético Madrid will be hoping for positive news from the medical tests, but the club will undoubtedly proceed with caution. Simeone will need to assess his midfield options carefully ahead of the match against Getafe, with Koke and Vargas likely candidates to fill the void left by Barrios’ potential absence. The team will also be looking to build on their recent performance against Tottenham, as they prepare for a crucial period in the season.
The club has yet to release an official statement regarding the severity of Barrios’ injury, but updates are expected following the completion of medical examinations. Fans will be anxiously awaiting news, hoping for a swift recovery for the promising young midfielder. The next confirmed checkpoint is the match against Getafe, scheduled for Sunday, March 15th, where Atlético will look to continue their La Liga campaign.
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