Mario Hermoso is the latest Atletico Madrid player to pick up an injury with the Champions League last-16 second leg under two weeks away.
The 26-year-old has injured his adductor and will definitely miss Sunday’s crucial clash against third placed Real Betis that could prove pivotal in the race for Champions League qualification.
It’s another blow for the Rojiblancos, who continue to suffer injury setbacks and Hermoso’s absence comes after Stefan Savic and Geoffrey Kondogbia picked up injuries last time out against Celta Vigo.
The injuries to Savic and Hermoso mean Diego Simeone’s side are left with two fit senior centre-backs in Jose Gimenez and Felipe.
According to MARCA, Hermoso’s injury is Atletico’s 36 injured so far this campaign, with 29 of them being muscular problems.
The Spanish outlet claims that the Spain international is likely to be out of action for two weeks.
If the timescale on Hermoso’s expected period on the sidelines is accurate, the five-time Spanish international will be touch and go for the return leg at Old Trafford on 15 March.
Despite starting all six of the group games, Hermoso was an unused substitute in the first leg at the Wanda Metropolitano as El Cholo favoured Renildo and Renan Lodi as his left-hand side partnership.
But with Savic’s fitness also a concern, Hermoso would have likely deputised for the former Manchester City defender.
However, there has been some positive news for the reigning La Liga champions on the injury front as their influential captain Koke has made a positive step in his recovery.
The midfielder has been out on the grass training alongside physio Oscar Pitillas. Koke’s participation against Betis could be touch and go but it looks like he will be ready for the trip to the Theatre of Dreams.
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