Atletico Madrid News
Key Atletico Madrid duo absent in training, doubts for Bayer Leverkusen clash
Having won their first UEFA Champions League game of the 2022/23 season in a dramatic fashion, Atletico Madrid will be keen on getting another victory under their belt when they face Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday.
However, Diego Simeone might have to make do with two key players for the clash at the BayArena as Jan Oblak and Jose Maria Gimenez are both doubts for the game, reports Mundo Deportivo.
Both Oblak and Gimenez were unavailable for selection for Atleti when they played Celta Vigo in La Liga on Saturday night. Ivo Grbic and Axel Witsel deputised for them, respectively against the Galicians and put on solid showings.
While there had been hope that the injured duo could recover in time for the trip to Germany, neither Oblak nor Gimenez were spotted in training earlier today, casting doubts over the availability for the clash against the Bundesliga outfit.
Joao Felix also did not train with the rest of the group today due to a knock he picked up late in the game against Celta. However, the Portuguese sensation is expected to be called up for the clash against Leverkusen as his issue is not deemed to be serious.
Meanwhile, Stefan Savic and new signing Sergio Reguilon continue to remain sidelined for Simeone’s side. The former is recovering from a muscular injury while the latter is in rehab after undergoing an operation for a groin issue.
As for Oblak and Gimenez, it will be interesting to see if Simeone decides to take them along for the trip to Germany. And even in the scenario that they fly with the rest of the squad, their involvement will remain a doubt until close to the game.
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.
