Diego Simeone will prepare for Wednesday’s home fixture with Osasuna and, in all likelihood, the following weekend’s Metropolitano derby without his most-used midfielder of the young season. Barrios missed the 3-0 win at Real Sociedad on 13 September after tests confirmed a low-grade myofascial injury in his right leg, and the club have set no specific return date.
The problem surfaced at Anfield in the Champions League opener, a 2-1 defeat by Liverpool during which Barrios was withdrawn in the second half. Atletico’s medical staff confirmed the diagnosis after the squad returned to Madrid.
“The midfielder ended the match against Liverpool with discomfort, and after the tests carried out by the club’s medical services, it has been confirmed that he is suffering from a low-grade myofascial injury in his right leg.”
Reports around the club describe his participation in the derby as very unlikely. The current indications on the recovery have been described as not particularly encouraging.
Read also: Mourinho's Vinicius verdict after the Bernabéu whistles: 'not at his best'
The midfielder Simeone leans on most
Barrios had started four of Atletico’s five competitive matches this season, registering an assist before pulling up at Anfield. His pressing and ball-carrying from deep have been central to how Simeone has set his side up in the opening weeks.
Mourinho’s Real Madrid arrive in form
Real Madrid travel across the city with four wins from their opening five league fixtures. Their only stumble so far was a 1-0 defeat at Real Betis on 4 September; since then Mourinho’s side have put four past Rayo Vallecano at the Bernabeu.
Sunday’s meeting is Mourinho’s first Madrid derby since he took over on a three-year deal in June, an appointment confirmed as running until June 2029.
The derby at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano is on Sunday, 20 September, with the visit of Osasuna standing between the two Madrid sides in Atletico’s schedule.
Read also: Movistar's director reveals he did not expect the Vuelta victory
Read also: Yamal's own agent Mendes crowns him for the Ballon d'Or: 'The best in the world, by a wide margin'
