Atletico Madrid Hit by Double Injury Blow Ahead of Liverpool Clash

Atletico Madrid will be missing key players Julián Álvarez and Johnny Cardoso for their first Champions League match against Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday. Both players are out due to injuries.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Julián Álvarez injured his knee during Atletico Madrid’s first win of the La Liga season on Saturday. This means he cannot join the team in Liverpool. Álvarez scored 29 goals in 57 games last season and was named Player of the Season for Atletico.

Meanwhile, midfielder Johnny Cardoso has picked up a sprained left ankle, preventing him from joining Diego Simeone’s 22-man squad for the trip to England. Atletico will also miss Jose Maria Gimenez, Thiago Almada, and Alex Baena due to fitness problems, leaving Simeone with limited options for an important European night.

THE IMPACT ON ATLETICO MADRID

Atletico Madrid had a slow start to the 2025/26 La Liga season but managed to secure their first victory last weekend. However, Álvarez’s absence is significant for the team. Atletico signed him from Manchester City for €81 million in 2024, and his pressing and goal-scoring abilities have become vital to their style of play. Similarly, Cardoso, a summer signing, offered energy and stability in midfield.

Simeone will need to adjust his tactics and rely on backup options in these players’ absence as the team faces a tough challenge against Liverpool.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Atletico Madrid will play against Liverpool in their opening Champions League match on Wednesday night. Last season, Liverpool finished as winners in the Premier League and are currently at the top after four matches. Meanwhile, Atletico is working to improve from their third-place finish in La Liga last year, currently sitting in 10th position, seven points behind Real Madrid who lead the title race.

After the Liverpool match, Atletico will return to La Liga to face struggling Mallorca, while Liverpool’s next opponent is Everton for the Premier League, who are currently sixth in England’s top flight. Atletico’s injuries make the upcoming fixture more difficult, but a strong run in Europe this season could help them achieve their ambitions.