Atletico Madrid's Rodrigo Mendoza Nears Return From Injury
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has confirmed that midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza is set to return to full training with the squad on Monday. The update came during Simeone's pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's La Liga clash with Barcelona, where he detailed the fitness of several key absentees. While Mendoza will not be available for the weekend fixture, his imminent return provides a significant boost ahead of Atletico's Champions League quarter-final first leg against the same opponents next week.
Simeone outlined the progress of his injured contingent, stating that goalkeeper Jan Oblak is also scheduled to rejoin group training on Monday. Fellow midfielder Pablo Barrios and defender Marc Pubill are progressing well, though none of the five sidelined players—a list that also includes Johnny Cardoso—will face Barcelona. The absences create a particular crisis in midfield for the weekend, with Cardoso injured and Marcos Llorente suspended, leaving Koke Resurreccion and Obed Vargas as the only natural central options.
The return of Rodrigo Mendoza is especially timely given the upcoming European double-header. The Argentine midfielder, who joined Atletico Madrid from River Plate in the summer of 2024, has become an influential figure in Simeone's engine room, known for his robust tackling and ball progression. His season has been disrupted by a muscular issue, but his recovery aligns with a critical period in Atletico's campaign as they compete on two fronts.
For the immediate league match, Simeone may be forced to improvise, with attacking midfielders like Alex Baena or Thiago Almada potentially deputising in deeper roles. The manager downplayed the tactical duel with Barcelona's Hansi Flick, focusing instead on his squad's enduring identity. "We, with our own style of play, as we have for the last 14 years, will continue trying to compete against them," Simeone said. Striker Alexander Sorloth, who sustained a head wound on international duty, is expected to be fit for selection.
The broader context sees Atletico navigating a demanding April schedule. The club sits in a tight battle for a top-four finish in La Liga while preparing for a European tie against a familiar rival. Having key players like Mendoza and Oblak back for the Champions League leg at Camp Nou could prove pivotal. Their availability would restore experience and tactical flexibility to a side that has often relied on defensive solidity in continental competition under Simeone's long tenure.
Mendoza's reintegration will be monitored closely next week, with his physical readiness for a high-stakes match likely determining his involvement. His potential return, alongside that of the veteran goalkeeper Oblak, offers Atletico a more complete squad as they enter the decisive phase of the season, aiming to salvage a challenging campaign with success in Europe.
