Atletico Madrid have been handed a massive double injury boost ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League quarter final second leg against Barcelona, with Jan Oblak and Johnny Cardoso both returning to training.
Diego Simeone’s side lead 2-0 from the first leg at Camp Nou and are firm favourites to reach the semi finals. Now, with two key players back in the fold, the odds have shortened further.
But here is the twist. Their returns create problems as well as solutions.
Oblak: back, but does he start?
The Slovenian goalkeeper has resumed training with his teammates. Barring any last minute setbacks, he will be included in Simeone’s squad.
But Juan Musso has deputised brilliantly in Oblak’s absence. Dropping him would be a bold call especially with Oblak unlikely to be at 100% fitness by kick off.
Simeone has a genuine selection headache. Does he stick with the man who has delivered? Or does he trust his long established number one, even if he is not fully sharp?
It is the kind of decision that could define a tie.
Cardoso to start on the bench
The Brazilian midfielder is also back in training, but he is not expected to feature from the start.
Koke Resurreccion and Marcos Llorente are primed to continue in the centre of midfield. Cardoso will likely be introduced from the bench if needed.
That is not a slight on his quality. It is simply a reflection of the form and fitness of those ahead of him.
Defensive crisis eases but not completely
The returns of Oblak and Cardoso are welcome, but Atleti are not out of the woods.
Marc Pubill is suspended. David Hancko is injured. Jose Maria Gimenez is unlikely to recover in time from yet another physical problem.
That means Clement Lenglet and Robin Le Normand will start together in defence. It is a pairing that has not often been utilised, especially this season.
Simeone will be hoping they can develop an instant understanding. Because Barcelona will test them.
Simeone’s biggest call
The Atleti boss has big decisions to make.
Does he trust Musso or gamble on Oblak? Does he stick with the midfield that delivered the first leg advantage or reintroduce Cardoso?
One thing is certain. Simeone will not play for a draw. Atletico do not know how to do that. They will look to score, to extend their lead, to kill the tie.
Barcelona will come out swinging. They have nothing to lose. Atleti have everything to protect.
The bottom line
Oblak and Cardoso are back. That is good news. But it also complicates things.
Simeone must balance loyalty against form, fitness against history. And he must do it in a match where one mistake could change everything.
The Metropolitano will be rocking. Atleti are 90 minutes from the semi finals. And their two returning stars could be the difference, whether they start or not.
