Azpilicueta back in training with Atletico; Koke still missing

Atlético Madrid defender Cesar Azpilicueta is nearing the end of his recovery from a muscle injury, as he showed in training on Thursday, when he began his return to the group, while Koke Resurrección made progress on the sidelines as he worked on his muscular problem.

While still waiting to see whether or not the centre-back will be included in the squad for Sunday's La Liga EA Sports clash against Getafe, both are aiming for next Wednesday's Champions League derby against Real Madrid at the Metropolitano stadium, although Koke is still in doubt.

The captain, who trained on the sidelines with Oscar Pitillas, the Rojiblanco's physical trainer, with various movements and touches of the ball, has been sidelined for two and a half weeks now due to the muscle injury suffered in the match against Celta, which means he will continue to be out against Getafe and is a doubt against Real Madrid.

Koke has been out of Atletico's last four games: the 3-0 win over Valencia and 1-0 win over Athletic in La Liga, the 4-4 draw with Barcelona in the Copa del Rey and the 2-1 loss to Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League last Tuesday.

Azpilicueta, injured against Valencia, has missed the three most recent games. He has already trained on Thursday with part of the group, in his case with the starters from the last game against Real Madrid, who had a softer and more recovery work. The substitutes from that game trained with more intensity.