Injury blow ahead of Arsenal for Atletico starter after new setback

Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images

Instead, Barrios was forced off with a new muscular issue, with Atletico confirming he was “substituted in the second half after feeling muscular discomfort in his left thigh”.

Given it took months for Barrios to recover from his last muscular injury, this setback puts his participation against Atletico on Wednesday and the following Tuesday in serious doubt. It’s just nine days from now until the semi-final second leg, let alone the first.

Mundo Deportivo report that “everything indicates” the player will not be available against Arsenal on Wednesday, at the very least.

The good news for Atletico is that Alexander Sorloth returned from injury against Athletic Club at the weekend, but Ademola Lookman also remains a doubt for the Arsenal match at this stage.

Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images

Lookman’s involvement is perhaps key, as he’s the one starter Atletico didn’t yet have when they lost 4-0 to Arsenal earlier in the season. Whether he’ll be available and able to inspire an Atletico win this time remains to be seen.

• Injury blow ahead of Arsenal for Atletico starter after new setbackAtletico Madrid’s Pablo Barrios has suffered an injury setback, and is now a major doubt to face Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals.
• Arsenal women stage impressive comeback v Lyon in Champions League semiArsenal Women will take a 2-1 lead to France after an excellent second-half comeback against Lyon in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final. On Sunday, Arsenal women took on Lyon in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final, hoping to make the final as they defend their trophy. After a solid start…
• Arsenal set all-time Premier League record in Newcastle winArsenal have set a new record for the most corner goals in a single Premier League season, following Eberechi Eze’s effort against Newcastle United on Saturday.
• Declan Rice makes Arsenal title-race claimDeclan Rice has admitted he believes Arsenal need to win all of their remaining games if they want to win the Premier League this season.
• Arsenal & Manchester City title run-in fixtures become clearer