The Atlético de Madrid He returns to training this Monday after the weekend of rest granted by the coaching staff to the squad. And he does it already focused on Sunday's match against Athletic in San Mamés, a meeting that suffered a variation in its schedule, in what will be the return to competition for both teams after three months of hiatus caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
The good begins (or returns). Football. Gone are several weeks of preparatory sessions more similar to a preseason than the usual ones of a campaign. The situation required it. Trainings that have been growing in number of troops progressively, in accordance with the phases imposed by Health and the CSD to prepare for the return of the activity. Yes, always with the necessary security measures to avoid contagions.
The only thing that Atlético has not been able to do is play preparatory matches against other teams. Instead, Diego Simeone and his assistants have organized two games between the squad to prepare for the clash against Athletic. And this week there could be a third, with the aim that the players continue to gain rhythm.
As we say, the mattress box resumes training this Monday morning at the Ciudad Deportiva de Majadahonda. And he will do it pending the infirmary, where right now there are three players: Joao Félix. Ángel Correa and Sime Vrsaljko.
Of the three, only the Portuguese, with a sprained knee, is ruled out for the appointment in Basque lands. And not for that reason, but must meet a penalty match for accumulation of warnings. The Argentine, with a muscle injury, the first since he signed for Atlético five years ago, and the Croatian, who underwent surgery to clean the knee that was operated on months ago, have options to arrive, although the truth is that only the Argentine entered into the plans of Simeone as a starter for this meeting.
THE ELEVEN ALMOST DEFINED
The Cholo He has been shaping eleven in the last work sessions, and seems to have very clear ideas. If he does not change his mind, or any setback occurs, it only remains to be determined who will be the companion of Diego Costa at the point of attack, with options to Morata and Lemar, and waiting to know what happens to Ángel Correa.
The rest of the team will be formed by Oblak in goal; Trippier, Savic, Giménez and Lodi in defence; and Llorente, Thomas, Saúl and Koke in the middle of the field. In any case, the contribution of the bench will be important in these first appointments, because in addition to the lack of rhythm of the players, it is added that five substitutions may be made. Of course, three times.