Atlético Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has provided an insight into the club’s plans when it comes to reintroducing star attacker Antoine Griezmann to matchday duties.
As much, of course, comes after Atlético and Griezmann were dealt a heavy blow earlier this week.
En route to the club’s eventual 1-0 Champions League Last-16 first leg defeat at the hands of Inter Milan, the France international was forced into a premature departure from the action.
Inside the closing quarter of an hour at San Siro, Griezmann pulled up, with what appeared to be an ankle problem.
The 32-year-old, in turn, was quickly hauled off, with Ángel Correa introduced in his place.
And ensuing medical tests over the days following confirmed that Griezmann had indeed picked up an injury, in the form of an ankle sprain.
Though Atléti themselves have yet to confirm as much, media reports point towards the former Barcelona man as being likely to miss all of the Rojiblancos’ next four fixtures.
Ahead of a crucial couple of weeks ahead – featuring a Copa del Rey semi-final, three La Liga outings, and the return leg against Inter – the subject of Griezmann being risked at the earliest possible opportunity was in turn put to the aforementioned Simeone.
Speaking in a press conference ahead of his side’s weekend showdown with Almería, however, the Argentine tactician was adamant that no such chances will be taken:
“We are not going to force Griezmann at all,” he began, as cited by Diario Sport. “When he is well, he will return. We need the best Griezmann.”
Conor Laird | GSFN
