Vitolo is going through a curious situation. The Spaniard went from being a starter to playing just 13 minutes this month, 'AS' reports. The injury which saw him leave the derby with Real Madrid at half-time has cost the midfielder dearly.
Vitolo could not finish the game against Real Madrid. He got an injury to his left thigh and he was subbed off at half-time. That was on 28th September.
It was confirmed he had a muscle injury in his leg. After being out for three weeks, Vitolo returned on 17th October.
Simeone chose to put him in the squad for the match against Bayer Leverkusen. However, he did not play a single minute.
For the La Liga game against Athletic Bilbao, the ex-Sevilla man was on the bench again. On this occasion he did come on in the 77th minute.
But in those 13 minutes, Vitolo did not do much. He did bring fresh legs to the Atletico attack and he was not as dangerous as he usually is.
In the last match at Alaves, he did not get a chance. The injury he got in the derby is costing Vitolo dearly.