Gimenez will miss the derby against Madrid, but Morata will be present

Atletico Madrid secured another win in La Liga, this time against Valencia (2-0), just a week before facing Real Madrid in the third and final derby of the season. Ahead of that game, the red and white fans were worried because Gimenez was substituted due to discomfort and Morata ended the match with an injury.

Not even 24 hours have passed since the end of the match and 'COPE' has reported on the situation of both players. The Uruguayan centre-back, who had to leave the pitch in the 59th minute for Axel Witsel, has a minor hamstring injury that will keep him out of action for one or two weeks, so he will not be at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Morata, who only has a heavy knock but no muscle damage, will play in that game, so it is possible that Simeone may even decide to rest him for Wednesday's clash against Rayo Vallecano, a match that corresponds to Matchday 20 and was postponed due to the presence of the 'colchoneros' in the Spanish Super Cup.

Atletico have a great opportunity to try to extend their lead over Athletic, in fifth place, and to keep behind a Barca side wounded by the 'Xavi case' and by their slip up at home against Villarreal.

Giménez's muscle injury confirmed

Atletico Madrid's Jose Maria Gimenez will miss at least the next two games against Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid due to a "grade 1 thigh muscle injury", according to medical tests he underwent on Monday after being substituted due to discomfort against Valencia on Sunday.

"Gimenez is suffering from a grade I muscle injury in his thigh, according to tests he underwent on Monday morning. The Uruguayan defender will begin physiotherapy sessions, will undergo rehabilitation training and is awaiting further developments," explained the medical report on the player.

His injury leaves Simeone with four central defenders available to assemble his starting eleven on Wednesday against Rayo Vallecano and on Sunday against Madrid (Savic, Witsel, Hermoso and Reinildo), given that, apart from Gimenez, Azpilicueta is injured and Soyuncu has been loaned to Fenerbahçe until the end of the season.

 

January 29, 2024