Atletico Madrid News
Injury update: Atletico Madrid winger could return in time for Barcelona encounter
Atletico Madrid will face La Liga leaders FC Barcelona on April 23 away at Camp Nou. And, according to MARCA, they may receive a fitness boost in time for the game as Memphis Depay could be back to face his former club.
The Netherlands forward suffered a thigh injury during the international break last month during the game against Gibraltar.
Upon returning to Atletico Madrid, Depay was subjected to further tests following which it was reported that the 29-year-old could be out for a period of two to three weeks.
The former Barcelona ace’s recovery is understood to be on track, but he will be unavailable for Atletico Madrid’s upcoming game against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
But, as per the report, there is every chance that Depay will be back in the reckoning in time for the match against Barcelona on April 23.
In fact, it is claimed that the striker could even become available for the next week’s La Liga encounter versus UD Almeria. But in case he does not recover in time for that clash, Depay’s availability for the Barcelona game is being seen as a given.
The Dutch ace left Barça for Atletico Madrid during the January transfer window, in a deal worth €4 million.
Since joining the Rojiblancos, Depay has played eight matches across all competitions and has scored three goals in the process.
The ex-Manchester United ace has been critical of Barcelona in the recent past, when he said: “I need a certain kind of training to be in an optimal physical state. That didn’t always go well at Barcelona, but it does at Atlético. The way of working suits me perfectly.”
Given that, he will be hoping to prove a point or two when he gets a chance against Barça at Camp Nou later this month.
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.
