Juanfran calf injury makes defender doubtful for Barca clash
Diego Simeone could be without Atletico Madrid right-back Juanfran for Saturday's La Liga game at home to title rivals Barcelona.
Published : Nov 23, 2018 10:47 IST
Juanfran has added to Atletico Madrid's defensive problems ahead of Saturday's La Liga game at home to title rivals Barcelona.
The right-back, who has started seven La Liga games and three Champions League fixtures this term, sustained a calf injury in Thursday's training session.
Santiago Arias is likely to retain his place in Juanfran's absence, but head coach Diego Simeone has a selection headache for the visit of the league leaders.
Captain Diego Godin is expected to be unavailable after he damaged his left hamstring in Atletico's last match – an injury that did not prevent the centre-back from netting a dramatic late winner.
Fellow Uruguay international Jose Gimenez has been sidelined with a similar complaint and is in a race to be fit alongside another defender Lucas Hernandez (adductor).
Barcelona tops the table heading to the Wanda Metropolitano but it is only a point clear of Atletico, who has won four of its past five games in all competitions.
After hosting the defending champions, Atletico is at home to Monaco in Group A of the Champions League on Wednesday, needing a win to secure qualification.