Atletico Madrid have been dealt pretty damning news ahead of their Champions League round-of-16 clash with Manchester United.
The Spanish club’s players and coaching staff had to undergo another round of PCR tests.
During which Giovanni Simeone, Koke, Antoine Griezmann, Hector Herrera and Joao Felix have tested positive for COVID-19.
That is the five players they are set to be without for the Champions League first leg encounter.
According to Atletico Madrid’s official website, all of the players named are asymptomatic and isolated in their respected homes, strictly complying with the recommendations of the health authorities.
Detectados cinco casos positivos en las pruebas PCR realizadas al primer equipo.
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) December 30, 2021
Griezmann was already a doubt due to injury, but Atleti will also be without Yannick Carrasco, who was suspended for choke-slamming an opponent in their most recent Champions League match against FC Porto.
It now sounds like Atleti could be without some of their best players, which won’t help their cause after offering up an awful defence to the La Liga title.
United should fancy their chances but our performances must improve too.