Krishnan Sreekumar
Atletico Madrid have several injury concerns ahead of Manchester United clash
According to the Express, Manchester United are set to receive a major boost ahead of their Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid after the Spanish side had several first-team stars ruled out injured.
Gearing up for the second leg of the Round of 16 tie, Atletico will be heading into the game with a 1-1 scoreline from the first leg. Playing at Old Trafford, the La Liga champions may be in for a tough fight against the home side in front of a raucous Stretford End.
Diego Simeone is set to be without Sime Vrsaljko, Daniel Wass, Matheus Cunha, Yannick Carrasco, and Thomas Lemar for the trip to Manchester after the players were ruled out due to injury.
Man United meanwhile, are returning in front of the Old Trafford fans after their 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, with Cristiano Ronaldo running the show by netting a hat-trick. Hopefully, we make it back-to-back wins at home.
Serious injury issues
Atletico defender Jose Gimenez is another major doubt for the trip to Old Trafford, although he was included in the travelling squad. The player suffered a calf injury in their 2-1 win over Cadiz last week and Spanish outlet AS reported that Gimenez might be facing a three-week spell on the sidelines. (h/t Express)
However, Marca have played down the severity of the problem in a boost for Simeone. Last year’s Spanish champions have been plagued by injury problems all through the campaign, with Football Espana noting that Atleti have had as many injuries as they have played games this season. (h/t Express)
Man United’s opponents are on a three-match winning streak in the league and will come to Manchester in good spirits about their recent form. Despite their injury crisis, they have been able to rack up wins.
However, they are miles off their form from last year when they won the league, with Atletico in fourth position in the La Liga table this time around. They will look to take their league form to the Champions League tomorrow and build on the 1-1 aggregate score.
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The Red Devils meanwhile, are eyeing a victory to progress to the Champions League quarterfinals and get their hands on the only trophy available to them this season. Off the back of a Ronaldo masterclass, they will also be eager to play the game against Atletico.
He will look to be the hero once again against Simeone & Co., responsible for several hat-tricks scored against the familiar opponents during his time with Real Madrid and Juventus, especially in the Champions League with the latter team.
