Atletico Madrid suffered a major blow as key defender Mario Hermoso was ruled out of La Liga match against FC Barcelona which will be played at the Civitas Metropolitano Stadium on Sunday.
Hermoso sustained a thigh injury during the thrilling Champions League match against Inter Milan which Madrid won 3-2 on penalties after breathtaking 120 minutes.
The Spaniard’s loss is great for Diego Simeone as he is a regular starter and has played 36 matches across all competitions this season where he netted two goals as well.
“Mario Hermoso is suffering from a muscle injury in his left thigh, according to the tests that the Madrid centre-back has undergone at Vithas Hospital,” Atletico Madrid said in a brief press release.
“The defender will begin physiotherapy sessions, will undergo rehabilitation training and is pending evolution.”
Hermoso will not be the only player to miss the encounter against Xavi Hernandez’s men as Thomas Lemar and Jose Maria Gimenez will also be on the list of absentees.
With Gimenez and Hermoso not present, Atletico will definitely be weak at the back which would give Barcelona a unique opportunity to bag all three points but playing at their home ground, which is considered one of the best in Europe, wouldn’t be an easy task.
Remember, as per an early report from Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are interested in signing Hermoso on a free deal as the Spaniard’s current deal with Atletico ends at the end of the season.
Hermoso appearance at the Metropolitano Stadium on Sunday would’ve been a great opportunity for Barcelona to look at their target but that will not happen.
Remember, Barcelona are trying to part ways with Marcos Alonso once the season ends and they see Hermoso as the primary defender to replace his countryman.