{"id":2794,"date":"2026-09-12T15:32:52","date_gmt":"2026-09-12T15:32:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sportbulletin.top\/?p=2794"},"modified":"2026-09-12T15:32:52","modified_gmt":"2026-09-12T15:32:52","slug":"rival-watch-atletico-madrid-midfield-ace-a-doubt-for-derby-against-real-madrid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportbulletin.top\/?p=2794","title":{"rendered":"Rival watch: Atletico Madrid midfield ace a doubt for derby against Real Madrid"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Once that is out of the way, the Merengues<\/em> will tackle two matches over the next week in the league before the first international break of the new season arrives.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The first of the two fixtures will see Real Madrid take on Elche before facing local rivals Atletico Madrid away at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano \u2013 a game that Jose Mourinho & co. will have circled in red.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Now, leading up to the Madrileno<\/em> derby, Atletico Madrid have been dealt a major injury blow.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Key midfielder Pablo Barrios suffered an injury during the Rojiblancos\u2019<\/em> UEFA Champions League<\/a> clash with Liverpool, leaving his participation in next week\u2019s derby against Real Madrid in serious doubt, reports AS<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The news is a blow for Diego Simeone and a boost for Real Madrid with just over a week to go before the contest at the Metropolitano.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Atletico confirmed that Pablo Barrios has suffered a low-grade myofascial injury to his right leg. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The midfielder finished the Champions League meeting with Liverpool at Anfield experiencing discomfort, and subsequent medical tests confirmed the injury.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Barrios will definitely miss Sunday\u2019s La Liga<\/a> match against Real Sociedad and is also expected to be unavailable for next week\u2019s fixture against Osasuna.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The bigger concern is the derby on 20 September, as Barrios faces a race against time to recover for the visit of Real Madrid.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Pablo Barrios is a major doubt to face Real Madrid. (Photo by Denis Doyle\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Atletico have not given a specific recovery timeline, stating only that his return will depend on how the injury develops. At present, however, the indications are not particularly encouraging.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Barrios\u2019 potential absence would be a significant setback for Simeone. The midfielder has established himself as an important part of Atletico Madrid\u2019s midfield.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Indeed, the 23-year-old Spaniard has started four out of Atleti\u2019s five matches across all competitions in 2026\/27 so far, even registering an assist in the process.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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As such, his absence could be felt dearly by the Colchoneros<\/em> in the derby.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Simeone does have alternatives, including Koke, Morten Hjulmand, Johnny Cardoso, Rodrigo Mendoza and Obed Vargas, but replacing Barrios would still be a major challenge for one of the most important fixtures of the season.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n


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