Atletico Madrid Faces Significant Injury Setback as Key Midfielder Pablo Barrios is Sidelined Again

Atletico Madrid has been dealt a substantial blow with the news that midfielder Pablo Barrios will be out of action for the second time in just two months. The Spanish international has been a standout performer for Diego Simeone's side, and his absence will be keenly felt during several upcoming pivotal matches, particularly with the Copa del Rey final on the horizon.

Barrios had only just made his return to the pitch on Tuesday evening in Atletico's dominant 5-2 victory against Tottenham Hotspur, coming on for the final 21 minutes at the Metropolitano. However, during training on Thursday as the team resumed work, Barrios unfortunately sustained another injury.

Barrios Expected to Miss Approximately One Month

According to Marca, the good news is that this new injury is not a relapse of his previous six-week absence. Barrios has suffered a minor hamstring tear in the same leg, but it affects a different muscle, and he is anticipated to be sidelined for roughly one month.

Key Fixtures Pablo Barrios Will Miss for Atletico Madrid

Having already missed nine games due to his last injury, Barrios is now set to miss a crucial series of matches. This includes the second leg of their Champions League tie against Spurs next Wednesday. Should Atletico progress to the quarter-finals as widely expected, Barrios would also be unavailable for the first leg after the international break.

In La Liga, he will be absent from two significant local derbies: a home game against Getafe and an away clash with Real Madrid. He will also miss the visit of Barcelona following the international break and would be a doubt for their trip to Sevilla the subsequent weekend. Beyond these immediate fixtures, Atletico will likely exercise caution. The Champions League quarter-final second leg is scheduled shortly after Barrios' projected return, and if the calendar holds, it would be just six days before the Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad.