Atletico's Azpilicueta in doubt for Real Madrid UCL clash after muscle injury

The former Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta was forced off the pitch at half time in Saturday's 3-0 win at Valencia after some discomfort and sat out Atletico's 4-4 draw with Barcelona in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals on Monday. 

However, the blow turned out to be more than just discomfort after medical tests were carried out on the player. "The defender underwent tests with the medical services of the club, which indicated that he has suffered a moderate muscle injury in his right leg," reads a statement from the Spanish side.

The 35-year-old veteran is now set to miss out on the Liga clash against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday as the 'Rojiblancos' continue to push in the title race, sitting one point behind second-placed Real Madrid and league leaders Barcelona.

But the domestic fixture is not the only one Azpilicueta might be unavailable for as he will also have to race to recover in time for Ateltico's Champions League last 16 showdown against Real Madrid, which is three days after Athletic visit the Metropolitano.

 

February 27, 2025