By our reporter 27.4.2026
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone is sweating over the fitness key players as he prepares for Wednesday’s Champions League first leg semi-finals at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Spanish capital.
It has emerged that Julian Alvarez who has scored nine goals in the Champions League this season is a major doubt for the game, he missed last weekend’s game against Athletic Bilbao, Ademola Lookman and Alexander Sorloth have not been playing picking up an injuries during the Copa del Rey, Pablo Barriors have been out of action following a hamstring injury in the game against Bilbao last weekend.
Atletico ended a four-game losing run with a 3-2 victory over Bilboa. But it cost them Barrios. The 22-year-old limped off on the hour mark. His absence leaves a hug gap in Atletico’s midfield.
However, Simeone is hoping that the players would be in their best condition in the next two days and play against Arsenal. Alvarez is currently the big concern, as his absence would be a crushing blow for Atletico.
Arsenal also have their own injury concern as Eberechi Eze and Kai Havertz are doubtful. Eze who scored in their 1-0 win against Newcastle on Sunday limped off the pitch, while Havertz suffered a knock.
However, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is optimistic he will have both players ready for Wednesday clash.
“They are muscular niggles,” Arteta said of Havertz and Eze in the post-match press conference.
“We don’t think it’s too much. We have to wait and see if they can be available for Wednesday.”