Atlético de Madrid heads to Barcelona for the game against Espanyol on Saturday, but arrives without two of its usual midfielders. Koke and Cardoso are not in the squad, which leaves the coaching staff with a reduced squad for the match at the RCDE Stadium at 2:00 p.m.
The announcement of the absence of both players was made through the team's official call, published the Friday before the trip. According to the list, the rest of the first team is available and has been included in the starting team. Among those called up are youth players Domínguez and Castillo, as well as Dani Martínez, who is already part of the first team.
The lineup proposed by Diego Simeone includes goalkeepers Oblak, Musso and Esquivel. In defense, Llorente, Hancko, Pubill, Le Normand, Cuti Romero, Grimaldo, Domínguez and Dani Martínez stand out. In the midfield there are Vargas, Mendoza, Barrios, Baena, Hjulmand, Castillo and Kang-in Lee, while forwards Giuliano, Aranu, Lookman, Solorth, Julián Álvarez and Jonathan David complete the list.
The fact that Koke and Cardoso do not participate can influence the dynamics of the midfield, since both are usually key pieces in the organization of Atlético's game. However, the coach has trusted the depth of the squad and the ability of his youngsters to fill vacant positions.
The match against Espanyol represents an important challenge for Atlético, as the rival seeks to consolidate its position in the table. With the absence of the two midfielders, the red and white team will have to adjust its strategy and take advantage of the opportunity for the less common players to demonstrate their quality. The result of the match will determine the club's position in the competition and its continuity in the fight for qualification to the Champions League.