Vrsaljko, operated on the fracture with which he played in Porto

Sime Vrsaljko has undergone surgery today of the fracture of the right zygomatic arch (in the cheekbone area) that occurred during the Champions League match against Porto. The Croatian full-back, who had to act as an emergency center-back due to Simeone’s casualties in a crucial game, played the entire second half with a face injury to help his team.

And despite playing out of place and with the discomfort caused by the fracture suffered during an action in the first half, Vrsaljko was one of the most outstanding players in Atlético’s victory which served to get into the knockout stages of the Champions League, whose draw will take place next Monday. The Croatian left with tears in his eyes after his feat on the grass of Do Dragao. The Croatian’s time off is pending evolution, according to the club’s website.

The rojiblanco team is low at the rear, and despite the fact that for the derby against Real Madrid recover Felipe back, that he could not be in Porto due to sanction, Cholo has Giménez, Trippier, Savic and Vrsaljko out, four of the seven defenders he has on his squad. Kondogbia must once again act as a central defender and Llorente as a lane or right back, waiting for Trippier to receive medical discharge for his shoulder injury and to be able to compete again in an official match. English is exercised with the group, but cannot receive rough physical contact. Giménez still does not train with his teammates due to his muscular problems and Savic will still have to be out for several weeks.