Koke has picked up a muscular injury in his thigh and will miss the Espanyol trip alongside an indisposed Cardoso, forcing Simeone to field Hjulmand and Barrios in midfield at Cornellà — a significant selection headache ahead of matchday 9.
Koke suffered a muscular injury in his thigh during training — his return after the death of his mother — and will miss the Espanyol fixture. Cardoso is also indisposed. Marca confirms the squad travelled to Barcelona without either midfielder.
With Koke and Cardoso both unavailable, AS confirms the expected midfield pairing against Espanyol is Hjulmand alongside Barrios. The depth of the squad is being tested with a sixth consecutive win on the line.
Marca notes that through matchday 8, Atleti have only one point fewer than the season they won their last Liga title. Five straight wins and a squad depth problem that Simeone would happily take.
Against United, Pubill, Jonathan David, Lookman and Hjulmand were all on the bench. AS reports that internal competition across every line is forcing Simeone to work harder than ever to pick his XI — a luxurious problem.
Marca frames it as an 'unexpected dilemma': David's performances are putting real pressure on Álvarez, who has yet to open his account in LaLiga or the Champions League. The Argentine's place is no longer guaranteed.
Four saves against Manchester United kept the sheet clean. AS notes Oblak is now just five appearances away from equalling Adelardo's all-time Atlético appearance record of 553 — a milestone approaching fast.
Marca reports two doors are opening for the Mexican midfielder at Atleti, with Simeone apparently dropping a public hint about his potential integration. With Koke and Cardoso out, timing is notable.