The defender is injured and will be sidelined for at least 10 days in Diego Pablo Simeone’s team.
Atlético Madrid will be without one of their best players during a crucial period of the season. His return is expected toward the end of October, provided his recovery progresses as hoped.
Cristian “Cuti” Romero has been one of the standout performers for Atlético Madrid this season. His signing looks increasingly like a smart move with each passing day, as Diego Pablo Simeone’s side continues to sit second in LaLiga. Following the match against Espanyol, the defender underwent a series of tests that revealed an injury to his adductor muscle. The injury is not expected to keep him out beyond October, with a return to action in November still a possibility.
The Argentine’s injury was one of Atlético Madrid’s main concerns following their away victory over Espanyol. Within the Colchoneros’ camp, there had been fears that the problem could keep him out until the end of November. Simeone’s staff now know that Romero will miss the Champions League clash against Stuttgart and the upcoming league fixture against Deportivo de La Coruña.
Romero will miss a crucial UEFA Champions League game. Atlético Madrid have collected three points from a possible six so far, having lost to Liverpool in their opening game before defeating Manchester United at the Metropolitano a few days ago. The match against the German side is viewed as an early final in the race to finish among the top eight teams in the league phase.
The Argentine will also miss the match against Deportivo de La Coruña on October 24. In the best-case scenario, Atlético Madrid could welcome him back for their away fixture against Levante on October 31. Both the player and Simeone’s coaching staff are keen for him to get some minutes under his belt before three crucial fixtures for Los Rojiblancos.
The aim is for Romero to be able to play the full 90 minutes against Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Getafe in November. To achieve that, he will need to feature against Levante away from home and regain his competitive rhythm ahead of three particularly demanding fixtures. Without the Argentine in their ranks, Atlético have struggled in every match they have had to play without the former Tottenham defender this season.
There is a degree of calm within the club regarding his injury. The expectation is that he will be out for a maximum of 10 days. Only a slower-than-expected recovery would rule him out of the Levante match and raise further concerns at Atlético Madrid. Romero will not be available for the away game against Stuttgart on October 20 or the match against Deportivo de La Coruña at the Metropolitano on October 24.