Gimenez speeds up his recovery to be available for the Villareal game

Atletico Madrid defender Jose Maria Gimenez has completed his recovery from a myofascial injury to his left thigh, suffered on 20 February, and began his return to the squad on Friday to be at Diego Simeone's disposal for the return to competition in 10 days against Villarreal.

The Uruguayan centre-back has been sidelined for the last six games for the red-and-white side due to the ailment, which he suffered in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 tie against Inter at the San Siro, when he was substituted at half-time on 20 February. Added to a previous injury, he has missed 10 of Atletico's last 12 matches.

He will be ready against Villarreal, as is expected with Antoine Griezmann, who is still struggling with the sprained right ankle from which he returned against Inter. He also played the second half against Barcelona. However, he was ruled out of the France squad after being examined by the national team's medical services.

Both are expected at the Estadio de La Ceramica, where Simeone will still be missing the injured Thomas Lemar, now in the final stages of his recovery from the rupture of his right Achilles tendon suffered on 16 September and close to returning to the group, and Mario Hermoso, with a muscle injury sustained in the clash against Inter.

Nahuel Molina, who was sent off against Barcelona, and Rodrigo de Paul, who will be serving a five-match yellow card ban after being cautioned in the last game against Barcelona, will not be in the squad for the game. Still awaiting the internationals, Atletico's squad will resume work next Tuesday at the Ciudad Deportiva de Majadahonda.