Key Takeaways:
- Atletico Madrid secured their first win of the season against Villarreal at the weekend, but key players sustained injuries
- Julian Alvarez and David Hancko are doubts for Wednesday’s Champions League opener at Liverpool due to injury concerns
- Alex Baena, Thiago Almada, and Jose Maria Gimenez have already been ruled out of Atletico’s squad for the upcoming fixture at Anfield
Looming Fitness Tests Ahead of Liverpool Fixture
Atletico Madrid enter their midweek encounter with Liverpool in the 2025-26 Champions League facing significant fitness concerns surrounding two key first-team players. Despite overcoming Villarreal at the RiyadhAir Metropolitano to achieve their inaugural victory of the La Liga campaign, there was little respite for Diego Simeone as both Julian Alvarez and David Hancko picked up injuries during the match.
The Spanish side will only confirm the availability of the duo closer to kick-off, following medical evaluations. Both players suffered their injuries during the club’s hard-earned triumph over Villarreal.
🚨 BREAKING: Julian Alvarez and David Hancko are doubtful for the game against Liverpool. They aren't 100% ruled out, but there is growing pessimism.
Robin Le Normand's participation isn't at risk, he will be there. Same for Nico Gonzalez.@marca pic.twitter.com/aq6cCCDR28
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) September 14, 2025
Injury Updates: Key Players in Doubt
Julian Alvarez experienced discomfort in his knee during the first half of the Villarreal fixture and was subsequently withdrawn at half-time as a precaution. David Hancko, on the other hand, sustained a sprained ankle only minutes after being introduced from the bench late in the second half, forcing his early departure from the pitch.
Decisions regarding their inclusion in the squad travelling to Anfield will be made within the next 24 hours. Simeone and his staff will be closely monitoring both players, hoping to count on their services for the high-stakes Group Stage opener.
Further Injury News and Squad Depth
Atletico’s injury woes did not end with Alvarez and Hancko, as Robin Le Normand and Nicolas Gonzalez also requested substitutions during the Villarreal match. However, club officials remain optimistic that both players will be available for selection against Liverpool on Wednesday.
Should Alvarez and Hancko fail to recover in time, they would join an already depleted list of absentees that includes Alex Baena, Thiago Almada, and Jose Maria Gimenez, who have all been confirmed as unavailable for the opening Champions League fixture.
| Player | Injury | Status | Fixture Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Julian Alvarez | Knee discomfort | Doubtful | Decision to be made within 24 hours |
| David Hancko | Sprained ankle | Doubtful | Decision to be made within 24 hours |
| Robin Le Normand | Minor knock | Expected to be available | Should be fit for Liverpool |
| Nicolas Gonzalez | Minor knock | Expected to be available | Should be fit for Liverpool |
| Alex Baena | Undisclosed | Out | Unavailable |
| Thiago Almada | Undisclosed | Out | Unavailable |
| Jose Maria Gimenez | Undisclosed | Out | Unavailable |
Looking Ahead
The prospects of Alvarez and Hancko featuring at Anfield remain uncertain, and their potential absence would be a significant blow as Atletico seek a strong start in the league phase. For now, attention remains on the injury situation, as Atletico await further developments before naming their squad for the decisive clash with Liverpool.
