Simeone, Griezmann, João Félix, Koke and Herrera, positive for COVID

Atlético has announced the five positives that the PCR tests have revealed who became the team this Wednesday, after returning from vacation. Are Griezmann, Koke, João Félix, Héctor Herrera and the coach, Simeone. All of them are isolated and, fortunately, they are asymptomatic. They are not expected, therefore, for the game against Rayo on Sunday or against Majadahonda Thursday 6.

PCRs were the second screening, because they were also tested for antigens (except for the injured, including Griezmann) that did not detect any positive case. However, following LaLiga protocol, the footballers trained individually and did not use the changing rooms nor the gym to avoid possible infections.

In sports, the team accumulates three new casualties. Griezmann, who has spent the Christmas holidays with Koke, arrived at the break injured —Muscle problems since the derby at the Bernabéu on December 12 — and this is a slight brake on his recovery, as he will not be able to work with his physios while he is isolated, but he will be able to exercise at home. It was already difficult to be before the Lightning.

Eight low players

In total, Atleti has eight indisposed footballers. Cholo now loses Koke, Héctor Herrera and João Félix. The captain is essential for the coach and since the national team break in November he did not rest for a minute. In his absence, one of his possible substitutes would be the Mexican, who will not be there either. The center of the field is diminished, because Llorente is also injured and Kondogbia has been playing central. The other injured are Giménez, Vrsaljko and Savic, although the first two are already working with the group and are expected soon.

The loss of João Félix, the best rojiblanco in the last leg of the competition, is another setback for the team and for him, who whenever it seems that take off begins, has to stop for something. At the beginning of 2021, without going very far, it also happened with the coronavirus.