Atletico's Gimenez a major doubt for Champions League return leg at Barcelona
Atletico Madrid's defensive options for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona have been dealt a potential blow. According to reports from Marca, experienced defender Jose Maria Gimenez is a major doubt for the crucial match after suffering a calf injury.
The Uruguayan center-back sustained a blow to his calf during Atletico's 2-1 La Liga defeat to Barcelona this past weekend. While the injury is not considered serious, the club is concerned about the risk of aggravating the issue. With the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final looming, followed by a Copa del Rey final later this month, the club's medical and coaching staff are wary of taking any unnecessary risks with the 29-year-old's fitness.
Gimenez's potential absence would be a significant one for Diego Simeone's side. The 29-year-old Uruguayan international has been a stalwart in defense for many seasons, and his experience and leadership are considered vital, especially in high-stakes European away matches. His potential absence adds to a defensive injury crisis, with fellow defenders Pablo Barrios and Marc Pubill also doubts for the midweek clash at the Spotify Camp Nou.
Should Gimenez be unavailable, manager Diego Simeone will likely turn to the central defensive pairing of Robin Le Normand and David Hancko, with Clement Lenglet providing cover from the bench. The decision on Gimenez's involvement will be a calculated one, with the club's medical staff weighing the importance of the immediate fixture against the need to have the player available for the Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad and a potential Champions League semi-final.
The timing of the injury is far from ideal for Atletico, who must overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg at the Metropolitano. The club is still competing on two fronts, with the Copa del Rey final scheduled for later this month, making squad management and player fitness a critical balancing act for Simeone as the season reaches its climax. The club is expected to make a final decision on Gimenez's availability following a late fitness test.
