Opponent watch: Atletico Madrid’s midfield engine racing against time to recover for Barcelona clash

As Barcelona prepare to face Atletico Madrid in a crucial La Liga encounter, Diego Simeone’s side are working hard to ensure they have one of their most influential players ready for the challenge. 

According to recent reports from AS, Atletico are pushing for Rodrigo De Paul to return to full fitness in time for the highly anticipated fixture.

The Argentine midfielder has been a key figure for Simeone, consistently delivering high-level performances in the centre of the pitch. However, his recent physical condition has raised concerns. 

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During the Madrid derby, De Paul battled through fatigue and played until the 93rd minute before being substituted. His struggles were a result of a strong impact to his thigh sustained in Atletico’s previous clash against Getafe. 

The knock forced him to miss the second half of that match, and although he managed to feature against Real Madrid, he was visibly drained by the end of it.

Rodrigo De Paul is racing against time for the Barcelona test. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Despite his physical discomfort, the midfielder produced a standout performance against Real Madrid, proving once again why he is considered indispensable in Simeone’s system. 

Now, he is undergoing final tests to determine if he will be fit enough to start against Barcelona. Given his recent workload—having started in each of Atletico’s last ten matches—this will be a real test of endurance.

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On the defensive front, Atletico Madrid have also received a timely boost with the return of Cesar Azpilicueta. The experienced defender was back in action against Getafe and later featured in extra time during the Madrid derby. 

At 35 years old, Azpilicueta continues to show that he remains a reliable option for Simeone when called upon.

With De Paul’s fitness still in question and Azpilicueta making his way back into the squad, Atletico Madrid are making their final preparations ahead of their clash with Barcelona. 

It remains to be seen whether Simeone will be able to count on his midfield general, but regardless of his availability, the visitors will have to be ready for a physically intense battle against a well-drilled Atletico side.