Latest news on Pubill, Barrios, Oblak, Cardoso, and Mendoza at Atlético

Atlético de Madrid

Atlético de Madrid begins April with a minimal squad and an infirmary that affects the team's pace. Just days before Saturday's league match, the daily work revolves around recoveries, uncertainties, and suspensions.

The first immediate setback comes from a suspension. For that league fixture, Simeone will not be able to count on two midfield pieces due to an accumulation of yellow cards: Marcos Llorente and Johnny Cardoso, the latter also returning somewhat "touched" after his stint with the national team, though he is already traveling to Madrid.

An infirmary that sets the schedule

On the medical front, the most encouraging news comes from Marc Pubill, who has returned to training on the pitch after the rib injury that kept him out of the derby and the match against Tottenham. Although he still works separately, his goal is to be ready in time for Saturday against FC Barcelona.

Rodrigo Mendoza is also progressing, showing favorable evolution from his ankle sprain. After two weeks of recovery, he is already doubtful for the next league round and continues training apart. The situation is more open with Jan Oblak, who remains a big unknown: the club is still monitoring his daily progress, and he has not trained with the group.

The most delicate situation corresponds to Pablo Barrios. He has suffered two consecutive muscle injuries — the latest on March 12 — and his absence is estimated until April 5, with the hope of making it to the Copa final on the 18th. Meanwhile, Ruggeri continues in the gym, managing loads.

The month looks decisive on three fronts: League and Champions League, with back-to-back matches against Barcelona — first at the Metropolitano and then in the European quarterfinals — and the Copa del Rey final on April 18 at La Cartuja against Real Sociedad, a date that conditions the recovery of injured players, especially Barrios’s.

Meanwhile, Atlético de Madrid will gradually recover its 15 internationals, with the Argentine block (Julián Álvarez, Molina, etc.) being among the last to rejoin due to transoceanic travels.