Atletico Madrid suffer major blows ahead of Liverpool clash

Julian Alvarez and Nicolas Gonzalez: Injury Latest Ahead of Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid

Liverpool welcome Atletico Madrid to Anfield on Wednesday evening as the Champions League returns. For the Reds, September has already been a relentless month, and this fixture adds to a packed schedule. Five matches remain to be played in just over two weeks, testing both depth and durability in Arne Slot’s squad.

The Premier League side arrive off the back of another hard-fought win at Burnley, secured once more by a late intervention. Yet Atletico Madrid represent a different challenge altogether, with Diego Simeone’s men arriving as seasoned European competitors – but potentially depleted by an untimely injury crisis.

Atletico Madrid’s growing injury concerns

Reports in Spain suggest that Atletico Madrid could travel without several key players. Diario AS highlighted that Robin Le Normand and Nicolas Gonzalez were among four players forced off in their latest league outing. Both remain in contention but must undergo late fitness tests before their involvement is confirmed.

David Hancko, once managed by Slot at Feyenoord, endured a frustrating cameo at the weekend. Introduced as a substitute, the defender lasted just seven minutes before limping off with an ankle problem. He is expected to be unavailable, further limiting Simeone’s defensive options.

The headline concern, however, centres on Julian Alvarez. The Argentine striker was withdrawn at half-time with a knee issue, sparking questions about his readiness for Wednesday night. Whether that decision was a precautionary move or enforced by the injury itself is yet to be clarified. Either way, the uncertainty surrounding his status provides Liverpool with a potential advantage.

What Alvarez absence could mean

Should Julian Alvarez miss out, Atletico’s attacking balance may be disrupted. Simeone relies heavily on Alvarez’s ability to press, create space, and finish with precision. His absence could force a reshuffle, possibly elevating the roles of Ángel Correa or Memphis Depay, depending on availability.

For Liverpool, this represents an opportunity. Their recent encounters with Atletico have often been decided by fine margins – each of the last eight meetings has seen three wins apiece, underlining the evenly matched nature of this contest. Without Alvarez, Atletico may lose an edge in transitions, the very moments they have used so effectively in Europe.

Liverpool expected to rotate

Arne Slot resisted the temptation to rotate at Burnley, naming the same XI that beat Arsenal before the international break. That is unlikely to be repeated against Atletico. Andy Robertson is in line to return at left-back after featuring from the bench, while adjustments at right-back are anticipated, with both Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong under consideration.

In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister’s ongoing fitness issues may prompt Dominik Szoboszlai to be deployed centrally, his natural position. Further forward, Alexander Isak could make his long-awaited debut, adding another layer of intrigue to Liverpool’s attacking setup.

Battle shaping up at Anfield

Liverpool will approach the clash with cautious optimism. Their form has been steady, results have been consistent, and their squad depth has already been tested. Atletico Madrid, resilient and combative under Simeone, will not alter their fundamental approach, but injury setbacks – especially to Julian Alvarez and Nicolas Gonzalez – may leave them more vulnerable than usual.

As the Champions League returns, this promises to be a contest of tactical detail, physical endurance, and perhaps decisive fitness updates in the hours before kick-off.

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