Simeone misses two key players for Bayern clash

Atlético de Madrid

Atlético de Madrid face a week of maximum intensity, with news coming from every direction out of their treatment room. Diego Pablo Simeone has left out Cristian 'Cuti' Romero and Johnny Cardoso from the squad for the trip to face Bayern Munich, two major absences in a Champions League match that will be played this Tuesday at the Metropolitano. The good news for the Rojiblancos is the return of Koke, who is back available after several weeks away from the pitch.

The decision comes at an especially delicate point in the calendar. After hosting the German side, Atlético will take on FC Barcelona on Sunday in a direct clash for the top spots in LaLiga. A commitment that appears to have weighed heavily in the management of players who are still not at 100%.

Cuti Romero ruled out with his sights set on Barcelona

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The absence of the Argentine centre-back is one of the standout stories from the squad. Cuti Romero had returned to the squad for the match against Levante, but he did not play a single minute, a sign that the coaching staff still prefers to be cautious with his recovery.

In fact, the defender has not taken part in the most recent on-pitch sessions with his team-mates and this Monday returned to work in the gym. Although his progress had been positive over the past week, Simeone has chosen not to take risks with a key player in his defensive system, especially given the demands of the next league fixture.

The aim is for Romero to be able to gradually rejoin collective training and be in a position to face Barcelona. His absence against Bayern does not mean he is ruled out for matchday 12, though his progress will need to be closely monitored over the coming days.

Johnny Cardoso continues recovering from his muscle injury

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The American midfielder will also not be available for the Bavarian side. Johnny Cardoso continues to recover from a low-grade muscle injury in his left thigh, which has prevented him from building any continuity over the last few weeks.

The player has already started doing exercises on the pitch, including work with the ball, but he is still training away from his team-mates. His recovery is progressing well, although the medical staff believe he still needs a bit more time before returning to competition.

Cardoso's availability for Barcelona remains a question mark. The American will try to join the group during the next training sessions, but his participation will depend on both how he feels physically and Simeone's final decision.

In any case, it seems difficult that the Rojiblancos coach will want to rush his return, especially with an international break coming after the match against the Blaugrana.

Koke returns at the most necessary moment

Not all the news is bad for Simeone. Koke returns to the squad after overcoming a muscle injury in the left thigh's hamstring, a problem that has kept him out of the team's recent fixtures.

The captain has completed the latest training sessions with the rest of his team-mates and is once again available to the coach at a particularly timely moment. Atlético also lose Morten Hjulmand, suspended after his sending-off against Stuttgart for this match, meaning options in midfield are reduced considerably.

Koke's recovery will allow the coaching staff to have an important piece for organising the game, though his return will need to be managed with caution. It cannot be ruled out that he could play minutes against Bayern, but his starting spot is not guaranteed after several weeks without competing.