Atletico Madrid shall be without three key stars for tonight’s Champions League semi-final showdown with Arsenal.
Diego Simeone’s side host the Gunners on the Wanda Metropolitano this evening seeking to draw first blood before their trip to north London next week.
Atletico confirmed their matchday squad on Wednesday afternoon with Ademola Lookman included having sat out of the weekend game against Athletic Bilbao after picking up a knock within the Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad.
The previous Charlton teenager underwent a late fitness test but has been past fit.
Pablo Barrios, Jose Gimenez and Nico Gonzalez have all been unnoticed of the squad, nonetheless, ruling them out of tonight’s game.
Barrios has only only recently returned from a muscle injury that saw the 22-year-old midfielder miss 16 games, including each quarter-final legs against Barcelona.
Veteran defender Gimenez has also didn’t recuperate from a muscle issue that has ruled him out of the last 4 games.
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Gonzalez is a fresh blow with the winger suffering a thigh injury during Tuesday’s training session.
Marca report the injury may also rule the Argentine out of next week’s second leg on the Emirates.
Atletico shall be seeking to Julian Alvarez to provide the firepower tonight against considered one of the clubs who could try and sign him this summer.
The previous Manchester City star has scored 20 goals in 52 appearances this term, saving a few of his best work for the Champions League where he has scored nine in 13.
Speaking on Tuesday, Simeone acknowledged the growing interest in his striker.
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‘I’m not in Julian Alvarez’s head,’ Simeone said.
‘I just suppose it’s normal. He’s a rare player. There’s interest from Arsenal, Paris St Germain, Barcelona and other teams. But it surely is nothing we’re concerned about.’
Arsenal have injury problems of their very own tonight with Kai Havertz ruled out consequently of the groin injury he suffered against Newcastle United on Saturday.
Jurrien Timber meanwhile has not recovered from a groin issue of his own.
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