Los Colchoneros are set to host the Gunners in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals on April 29 with injury concerns in the squad
Atlético Madrid are sweating over the fitness of Ademola Lookman and Alexander Sørloth following a physically bruising Copa del Rey final in Seville on Saturday.
The Rojiblancos returned to the training pitch on Monday following their heartbreak at Estadio de la Cartuja, where a defeat on penalties to Real Sociedad was compounded by several fitness scares ahead of their upcoming Champions League semi-final tie.
Both Lookman and Sørloth will be absent for the midweek trip to Elche, with serious doubts also looming over their participation against Arsenal. The situation involves a high degree of caution to ensure both players are ready for the Champions League semi-final first leg on April 29.
Lookman is currently dealing with swelling in an adductor muscle, an issue that forced his premature substitution in the 60th minute of the final despite being the team’s most dangerous player.
Similarly, Sørloth is nursing a painful contusion sustained after coming on as a replacement for the Nigerian international.
Individualised recovery plans set for Lookman and Sørloth
In an official statement, the club clarified that the progression of these minor issues will dictate when the pair can rejoin their teammates.
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“Ademola Lookman and Alexander Sørloth finished the Copa del Rey final with discomfort,” the announcement confirmed. “The club’s medical staff have conducted tests that recommend maximum caution to avoid the risk of injury, so they will follow an individualised plan in the coming days, training separately from the group.”
This double blow leaves Diego Simeone without his most potent offensive weapons for Wednesday’s match at the Martínez Valero Stadium.
It is also highly unlikely that either player will be risked for Saturday’s encounter against Athletic Club at the Metropolitano. The coaching staff are acutely aware that the Nigerian, who scored the opening goal in Seville, and the Norwegian striker are essential to their European ambitions.
With José María Giménez and David Hancko also currently unavailable, the squad depth is being tested to its absolute limit.
Simeone must now find a way to maintain momentum in the league while protecting his key assets for the arrival of the Gunners in nine days’ time.
The absence of Sørloth, who missed a crucial penalty in the shootout, and Lookman, whose withdrawal in Seville was a turning point in the final, leaves a significant void in the Rojiblancos’ frontline that fringe players will be expected to fill during this transitional week.
