Atletico Madrid are riding high after a string of impressive victories! But big questions remain ahead of their next match. Will star goalkeeper Jan Oblak recover from his knee injury in time to start? And who is the young Spanish talent, Marc Pubill, stepping up in the absence of Julian Alvarez?
Oblak's Fitness a Concern
Atletico Madrid fans are eagerly awaiting news on Jan Oblak's fitness. The Slovenian captain missed the crucial Champions League clash against Inter Milan due to a nagging knee issue. Juan Musso stepped in and delivered a solid performance, leaving manager Diego Simeone with a selection headache. Simeone acknowledged the positive competition between Oblak and Musso, stating it benefits the entire team. He hinted that a decision on who starts against Real Oviedo will be made after the final training session.
Llorente and Le Normand Also Doubtful
Marcos Llorente is another concern for Atletico. He picked up a thigh injury in the recent win against Getafe and is a doubt for the Real Oviedo game. Defender Robin Le Normand remains sidelined with a serious knee injury sustained earlier this month, potentially keeping him out for the rest of 2025.
Who is Marc Pubill? Alvarez Replacement!
The big surprise in the Atletico Madrid lineup is the inclusion of Marc Pubill. The 22-year-old right-back, signed from Almeria for €16 million, has been thrust into the spotlight as a replacement for Julian Alvarez. Pubill, a Spain U21 international, has made two substitute appearances so far, but this marks his first start for the club. His signing was highly competitive, with Barcelona and AC Milan also interested, but Atletico secured him on a five-year deal.
Why was Alvarez Benched?
Diego Simeone's decision to bench Julian Alvarez is likely due to a combination of tactical reasons and squad rotation, managing Alvarez's game time ahead of the Barcelona match. It's a chance for Pubill to prove his worth and stake a claim for a regular spot in the team.
Predicted Lineup
A possible Atletico Madrid starting XI: Musso; Molina, Gimenez, Hancko, Ruggeri; Simeone, Barrios, Koke, Gonzalez; Pubill, Baena.
The match kicks off at 8pm BST on Saturday, 29th November. UK viewers can watch it live on Disney+.