Atletico Madrid faces fresh fitness concern before crucial Champions League clash with Arsenal

Atlético Madrid's 3-2 win over Athletic Club has been somewhat marred by a new injury concern, as Pablo Barrios was substituted off due to an issue, sparking fresh worries for manager Diego Simeone.

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Barrios had only just returned to the starting lineup on Saturday night, as part of Simeone's squad rotation following the recent loss to Elche CF, with the upcoming UEFA Champions League semi-final first-leg clash against Arsenal FC in mind.

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Despite the crucial victory, Barrios was unable to complete the game, exiting shortly before the hour mark and being replaced by Johnny Cardoso, due to the injury he sustained.

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The club has since confirmed that Barrios experienced muscular discomfort in his left thigh, and while further tests are still pending, the nature of his substitution and visible discomfort have raised questions about his availability for the Arsenal matches.

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Simeone is also keeping a close eye on the condition of Ademola Lookman, who remains out of action after suffering a knock in the Copa del Rey final defeat to Real Sociedad.

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However, there was a positive development for Atlético Madrid, as Alexander Sørloth marked his return from injury with a brace against Athletic Club, bringing his season tally to 19 goals in 49 appearances.

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Other goalscorers for the Madrid side included Marcos Llorente, Koke, and Antoine Griezmann, who all found the net before being substituted in the second half, while joint-top scorer Julián Álvarez was given a rest.