Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid defender will miss Champions League opener against FC Porto
Atletico Madrid kick off their 2022/23 Champions League campaign against FC Porto next week. And they will have to do so without defender Felipe, who will be suspended for the clash after getting sent off against Manchester City in the second leg of last season’s last-16 encounter.
The Brazilian defender was first cautioned in the first half and received a needless second yellow after leaving one on Phil Foden in the dying embers of the contest.
The 33-year-old’s red card during the 2021/22 term will carry forward to this season as Atletico were eliminated at that stage of the competition. It means he will not be available for selection in Atleti’s upcoming battle on Wednesday night.
It is key to remember that so far, Felipe is yet to feature for the side from the Spanish capital.
While not being in the matchday squad for Atletico Madrid’s league opener against Getafe, he has stayed on the bench in following games against Villarreal, Valencia and Real Sociedad.
Other defensive alternatives such as Jose Maria Gimenez, Stefan Savic and Reinildo have started a chunk of the games, with even midfielder Axel Witsel tested in a back three.
As a result, the 33-year-old’s suspension should not impact the side’s chances in their next game to significant effect. However, Diego Simeone would hope that Felipe learns from his reckless ways of the past, as it may cost the side in Europe’s elite competition one day.
With Jan Oblak sustaining a thigh injury in the side’s latest 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad, Diego Simeone’s men might have another notable absentee ahead of their meeting with the Portuguese giants.
Savic has also missed the last two La Liga matches due to injury and will be a doubt, while new signing Sergio Reguilon is also dealing with a fitness concern and could be absent for Atletico Madrid against FC Porto.
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid, Chelsea contact PSG midfielder’s agent with player set to leave
Atletico Madrid and Chelsea are among the clubs that have made contact with the agent of PSG midfielder Leandro Paredes, who is set to leave this summer.
This claim comes from journalist Martin Arevalo on ESPN, who states that apart from Atletico and Chelsea, an unnamed third club have also established contact with the Argentine international’s representative.
Paredes has been on PSG’s books since January 2019, when he arrived from Zenit St. Petersburg. For a large part of his time at the French capital outfit, the midfielder had been a regular starter in the side.
However, last summer saw Paredes get shipped out on loan to Juventus. He has played 33 times for the Bianconeri this season with a return of one goal and assist apiece.
The Serie A heavyweights, who were recently hit with a 10-point deduction, have the option to purchase him permanently. But, as per the report, his relationship with manager Massimiliano Allegri is not good and a return to PSG is on the cards.
And considering that he is not in the plans back at Parc des Princes either, a permanent departure away seems set in stone for Paredes.
As such, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, and an unnamed club have shown interest in acquiring his services by making contact with the 28-year-old World Cup winner’s agent.
With Koke entering the final phase of his career and Geoffrey Kondogbia expected to leave at the end of the season, the Rojiblancos could do with reinforcements in the centre of the park.
Paredes, who has plenty of experience at the highest level and is known for his aggressive mentality, can be a good fit into Diego Simeone’s setup at the Civitas Metropolitano.
But, with Chelsea also in the picture, things could get tricky for the Colchoneros. After all, Atleti are operating on tight finances and are looking for bargain and free transfer signings in the market with the likes of Marcus Thuram, Jordi Alba, and Raphael Guerreiro emerging as targets.
