Atletico Madrid News
Rival watch: Atletico Madrid midfielder ruled out of the derby against Real Madrid
After their setback in the Supercopa Espana final against Barcelona, Real Madrid have roared back well, with two back-to-back victories over Villarreal and Athletic Club.
However, the reigning Spanish champions are set to face a stern test on Thursday as they take on Atletico Madrid in the Copa Del Rey quarterfinals. It is an acid test for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, who have not done well in the prestigious cup competition in recent years.
But heading into this encounter, Real Madrid have been handed a major boost as Atletico Madrid’s star player Marcos Llorente has been ruled out of the tie, reports Jose Luis Guerrero.
Llorente had emerged as one of Diego Simeone’s most trusted players after the end of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, as he started all of the last four league matches. His services in the wide midfield positions proved to be quite influential from Atleti’s perspective.
But during the game against Villarreal in Copa Del Rey, Llorente had to be subbed off just ten minutes into the second half. It has now been revealed that the midfielder has picked up a small adductor tear that may keep him out for a few weeks.
This could serve as a major boost for Real Madrid, who are looking to enter the semi-final of the Copa Del Rey by beating their cross-town rivals this midweek.
As for Atletico, they are in for a blow as Llorente will not only miss the game against Los Blancos, but also the upcoming La Liga contests against CA Osasuna and Getafe. He may even miss out on the game against Celta Vigo, if the Spaniard does not recover on time.
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.
