Arsenal host Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday at the Emirates Stadium
Atletico Madrid have received a triple injury boost ahead of next week’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal.
Diego Simeone’s side suffered three fitness concerns on Wednesday as Julian Alvarez, Alexander Sorloth and Guiliano Simeone picked up problems.
Alvarez took a hefty blow to his knee and then rolled his ankle under a tackle before being substituted.
Meanwhile, Sorloth felt a muscular problem during the warm-up and was unable to come onto the pitch from the bench.
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Winger Simeone was also limping during the first half and was later withdrawn but Spanish outlet Cope are now indicating all three have avoided serious injury.
Tests were carried out yesterday and Atletico’s doctors have received positive news on all three players amid hope they will be ready to feature at the Emirates Stadium.
Atletico face Valencia in La Liga action tomorrow and a win would wrap up Champions League qualification for next season.
However, they still have four matches left to play after the game and they are well on course to secure a top-four finish, meaning Simeone could rest and rotate.
There is a chance none of the three forwards could be named in Atletico’s matchday squad for the trip to the Mestalla just to protect their condition.
The Argentine said following the dramatic draw with Arsenal at the Metropolitano that he isn’t too concerned about the injury blows his team suffered, stating: “I suppose they might be feeling some physical discomfort now.
“Giuliano has a knock, Julian has a fall he had in the middle of the pitch and Sorloth has a hamstring strain, but I have no doubt they’ll be there.”
Arsenal have a huge game on their hands at home to Fulham and while Mikel Arteta is expected to make changes to his starting XI, he cannot afford to shake his team up in preparation for Atletico.
The Gunners have the chance to move six points clear of Manchester City in the Premier League title race before Pep Guardiola’s men travel to Everton on Monday evening.
Having blown a number of recent opportunities to extend their lead at the summit, it’s a chance Arsenal cannot afford to squander as the title race looks set to go to the wire.
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