Confirmed: Atletico Madrid without star midfielder for Arsenal matches

Confirmed: Atletico Madrid without star midfielder for Arsenal matches

Atletico Madrid will go into their Champions League semi-final tie with Arsenal at a significant disadvantage, as they will be without Pablo Barrios for both matches.

Barrios made his first start since returning from a recent hamstring injury during Atleti’s 3-2 victory over Athletic Club on Saturday, but he could only last an hour at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano before he pulled up again. The initial fears were that he would miss both clashes against Arsenal, and these have now rung true, as an official medical report from Atleti has confirmed that the midfielder has suffered another hamstring injury.

“Pablo Barrios suffers a muscle injury in his left thigh, which occurred during the match against Athletic Club this Saturday. The Madrid midfielder has undergone tests carried out by the club’s medical services, which have confirmed the injury. The red-and-white ‘8’ will carry out both physiotherapy sessions and rehabilitation work in the gym and the evolution of his injury will determine his return to competition.”

Barrios pencilled in for one-month absence

Atleti did not state when they expect Barrios to return, but Marca have noted that the is expected to be out for the next month. That means he will miss the matches against Arsenal at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano and Emirates Stadium, but were Diego Simeone’s side to progress to the final, he would have chances to be involved.