Atletico Madrid enter the UEFA Champions League last 16 clash in a haze of uncertainty and disappointing news after an underwhelming 2-0 loss to Levante over the weekend, their first home loss of the season.
However, bigger than the loss may have been Atletico Madrid centre-back Jose Giminez’s injury when he limped off at half-time after taking a knock to his ankle. He was initially poised to miss three weeks of action, including the Chelsea match, when he first picked up a calf injury in training earlier in the month.
This comes on the back of Yannick Carrasco’s leg injury, which itself was a massive blow for the Rojiblancos. Sime Vrsaljko is also left out of the squad to face Chelsea, as is central midfielder Hector Herrera who has missed Atletico’s last four matches due to coronavirus. Kieran Tripper is out due to a UEFA sanction that came into effect after he encouraged his close alliances to bet on his transfer to Atletico. (MARCA)
Chelsea’s major absence is veteran defender Thiago Silva, as Tuchel confirmed in his press conference today. Tuchel indicated Kai Havertz & Christian Pulisic to make an appearance on Tuesday, saying:
“I’m very happy that both of them are in the group and they trained with us and have no complaints. I am happy they travel with us and are in the squad for tomorrow.”
It remains to be seen tomorrow night, who Tuchel employs in the final-third.
