Real Madrid have had injury issues go against them all season long and that has cost the team what could be crucial results come the end of the season. However, Real Madrid could be the beneficiary of two injuries in their Champions League clash with rivals Atletico Madrid this week.
As being reported by Sport, Atletico Madrid could be without two key players against Real Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano this week, with those players being Clement Lenglet and Rodrigo De Paul as both players finished their game this weekend with injury concerns.
Atletico manager Diego Simeone raised the alarm bell in his post-match press conference when it comes to the status of the two players: "They have different discomforts. We will see if they recover in time for Wednesday’s match. If not, hopefully, they will be available for Sunday.”
Lenglet was set to start in Atletico's match against Getafe this past weekend but pulled up with an injury in warmups resulting in him missing the match. As for De Paul, he started the match but came off at halftime with his injury.
Lenglet and De Paul are crucial parts of Simeone's system
Lenglet has become a major part of Atletico's defensive setup, even surpassing Euro winner Robin Le Normand in the starting lineup.
As for De Paul, he provides defensive stability and attacking transition in the midfield and remains one of Simeone’s most trusted players. His potential absence is a major concern ahead of a crucial European clash.
Not only are Real Madrid coming into the second leg with a 2-1 aggregate lead, they're coming in off the back of a hard faught victory against Rayo Vallecano at the weekend whereas Atletico are coming off of a crushing 2-1 defeat to Getafe. Real Madrid may not only have the upper hand on the pitch, but mentally as well.