This Wednesday the matches of the November FIFA date have started, most of them friendly, and Atlético's coaching staff trembles before what may happen. During the last few weeks, the calendar has been compressed and Simeone and his team have tried to dose the squad, as far as possible, in order to avoid injuries. Now, 14 players have left with their national teams and many of them will have three commitments (Until this season there were usually two in each break).
There is concern. There always is, but this season the physical aspect becomes relevant, as the calendar is tight. And the rojiblancas ranks They already have Carrasco, Diego Costa, Vitolo and Vrsaljko out. Saúl and Giménez were until not long ago. More setbacks could deplete the squad ahead of a curvy stretch of competition.
The chance of the calendar has located an Atlético-Barça for the return of the break. On Saturday 21 (21:00) Messi, Griezmann and company arrive at the Wanda Metropolitano. Three days before the last matches of the national teams are played. For example, next Wednesday there is an England-Iceland that Trippier probably plays, the only one of the rojiblancos together with Oblak who has played everything (ten full games, 900 ') with Atleti.
At dawn from Tuesday to Wednesday it is played in Montevideo Uruguay-Brazil, where Lodi, Felipe, Giménez, Torreira and Luis Suárez will be. They will only have one other meeting before this one, but in return they will make a long trip to return to Madrid. They will probably only train with the team the day before Atleti-Barça.
Fourteen athletes in ten teams
And all that, of course, with the risk of injury and possible coronavirus infections, that in 2020 is a constant threat and more when there are trips. Koke, Llorente, Trippier, João Félix, Herrera, Oblak, Lodi, Felipe, Grbic, Savic, Torreira, Giménez, Luis Suárez and Kondogbia They will participate in 23 games, while in Madrid they cross their fingers so that everyone can return without problems …