The talented midfielder is ruled out as Simeone faces injury crisis for Los Rojiblancos’ Champions League semi-final against Arsenal on Wednesday
Diego Simeone has been dealt a major blow ahead of the most critical week of the season, with medical tests confirming that Pablo Barrios will play no part in the Champions League semi-final against Arsenal.
Medical assessments conducted on Sunday confirmed a rupture to the biceps femoris in his left leg, an injury that is expected to sideline the 22-year-old for at least a month.
While there is a slim hope that a potential Champions League final on May 30 could serve as a target for a miraculous return, his participation in the domestic finale against Villarreal on May 24 is now considered a near impossibility.
“Pablo Barrios has suffered a muscle injury in his left thigh, which occurred during Saturday’s match against Athletic Club,” the club statement read.
“The Madrid-born midfielder underwent tests by the club’s medical staff, who confirmed the injury. The Rojiblancos’ No. 8 will undergo both physical therapy sessions and rehabilitation work in the gym, and the progress of his injury will determine his return to competition.”
This setback is particularly disheartening given that Barrios has already navigated a turbulent year defined by physical hurdles. The Spanish midfielder has suffered two previous muscle injuries that required lengthy rehabilitation periods of 33 and 43 days respectively.
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His absence leaves Diego Simeone without his most creative engine during the most decisive stretch of the campaign, forcing a tactical rethink as the club pursues a historic continental title.
“Life often throws obstacles in our path, and he’s facing them this year with his injuries,” Simeone said after the match against Athletic Club.
“He has to take it as a learning experience, with the strength to learn, to come back stronger, to work hard. Before the match, I told him that I have a lot of faith in him. We’ll wait for him – hopefully for as short a time as possible – so he can be ready for the end of the season.”
Atletico injury doubts for Arsenal clash
The Argentine is currently managing several major worries regarding the fitness of his senior stars, many of whom have been managing discomfort since the emotional toll of the Copa del Rey final.
Julián Alvarez has been absent from competitive action for ten days, and while the coaching staff are hopeful he can be involved against the Gunners, his lack of match sharpness is a significant hurdle for such a high-intensity fixture.
Jose Maria Gimenez is sidelined ahead of Wednesday’s encounter, while David Hancko and Ademola Lookman are doubtful.
