Can Gimenez play against Atletico Madrid?
Jose Maria Gimenez faces a very special match with Deportivo, who will visit the Metropolitano next Saturday. The Uruguayan centre-back returns to the stadium where he spent 13 seasons and will face Atletico Madrid for the first time. His status as on loan had put the spotlight on a possible fear clause that could have prevented him from playing.
José Giménez3.710.000€+50.000€6
DFReal Club Deportivo de A Coruña
The answer is clear: Jose Maria Gimenez will be able to play against Atletico Madrid. The loan contract for the defender to Deportivo does not include the well-known fear clause, so Antonio Hidalgo will be able to count on him for next weekend's fixture.
The player still belongs to the Rojiblanco side, which even covers an important part of his salary. Even so, there is no contractual restriction preventing him from facing his former team-mates at the Metropolitano.
It will be a reunion full of meaning for the Uruguayan. Gimenez arrived at Atletico in 2013 from Danubio and spent 13 years under the discipline of the Madrid club. Until his move to Deportivo in the last transfer window, he had never defended the colours of any other European club.
Since his arrival at Riazor, Gimenez has become a regular for Antonio Hidalgo. His experience, personality and leadership have allowed him to win a starting spot from the very first moment, bringing veteran know-how to a defence that is still looking to reach a higher level of consistency.
Hidalgo will have to change Gimenez's defensive partner
Bright Ede1.350.000€-60.000€3
DFAlthough the Blues' coach will be able to call on the Uruguayan, Bright Ede's injury complicates defensive planning for the trip to Atletico Madrid. The young Polish centre-back, aged 19, had partnered Gimenez in the heart of the back line over the last three matchdays.
Ede suffered a muscular problem in the game against Levante and is scheduled to undergo medical tests this weekend. After the match, Hidalgo said the defender had a "hamstring injury" and admitted that it did not "look too good".
The exact extent of the injury is still pending confirmation, although his situation forces the coach to look at alternatives to pair up with Gimenez. In the defensive rotation, Loureiro had moved ahead of Noubi, who has not played minutes since the match against Getafe.
The injury comes after Ede played a decisive role in the win over Levante. A run by the Pole and his subsequent pass allowed Yeremay to get involved in the move that ended with Deportivo's first goal.
The Galician side will also face a particularly demanding trip. Atletico Madrid have not lost at home since May 9, when they were beaten by Celta. Last season they recorded 15 wins, a draw and three defeats at home, adding up to 46 of their 69 points at the Metropolitano.
Deportivo already know what it means to come out on top in a tough setting, after their win against Villarreal at La Ceramica a little over a month ago.
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