RismadarVoice Reporters, April 27, 2026
Spanish giants Atlético Madrid have suffered a fresh injury setback ahead of their crucial UEFA Champions League semi-final showdown against Arsenal, raising concerns over squad depth at a decisive stage of the season.
The latest blow involves midfielder Pablo Barrios, who was forced off during Atlético’s 3–2 La Liga victory over Athletic Club after appearing to suffer a muscular injury.
The 22-year-old, recently returning from a previous layoff, limped off before the hour mark, casting doubt over his availability for both legs of the European tie.
Club officials later confirmed that Barrios experienced discomfort in his left thigh, with further medical assessments still pending. However, early indications suggest the injury could be significant, adding to Atlético’s growing list of fitness concerns.
Manager Diego Simeone now faces an anxious wait, with Barrios’ condition potentially ruling him out of the high-stakes encounter. The midfielder has been a key figure in Atlético’s campaign, and his absence would be a major tactical setback.
The injury scare compounds existing worries within the squad. Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman remains sidelined following a knock sustained in the Copa del Rey final, while doubts persist over other players’ fitness levels.
Despite the setbacks, there was some positive news for the Madrid side. Forward Alexander Sørloth marked his return from injury in emphatic fashion, scoring twice in the win over Athletic Club, while experienced stars such as Antoine Griezmann also featured prominently.
Atlético’s victory ended a difficult run of form and provided momentum heading into the Champions League semi-final, but the injury to Barrios has overshadowed the result and intensified concerns within the camp.
The first leg of the semi-final is scheduled to take place at the Metropolitano Stadium, where Simeone’s side will look to overcome their injury challenges against an Arsenal team also dealing with fitness uncertainties.
With a place in the final at stake, both teams are now in a race against time to get key players fit, setting the stage for a high-stakes European encounter.
