Atlético Madrid are set to begin their Champions League campaign with a significant challenge, as manager Diego Simeone will be without two key attacking options for their opening fixture against Liverpool. The Spanish giants travel to Anfield for Wednesday’s 21:00 kick-off missing Alexander Sørloth due to injury and Arnau Ortiz through suspension. This double blow will necessitate a reshuffle of Atlético’s forward line as they face the English side.
Sørloth’s Injury Woes
Alexander Sørloth has been sidelined with a muscle injury, a setback he sustained the week before the season officially commenced. The Norwegian forward has not trained with the main squad since picking up a muscular contracture and, as a result, has not featured in any match this campaign. His participation for the Liverpool clash was still being assessed ahead of Monday’s training session, with reports describing his situation as complicated. His absence leaves a notable gap in Simeone’s attacking plans.
Ortiz’s Carried-Over Suspension
Adding to Simeone’s concerns is the unavailability of Arnau Ortiz, who is suspended for the Champions League opener. Ortiz, a first-team squad member, will miss the high-profile match at Anfield due to a sanction carried over from a previous competition. The suspension dates back to a Conference League qualifying tie he played for Polish club Śląsk Wrocław. During the second leg against St Gallen, Ortiz was introduced in extra time with Śląsk Wrocław leading 3-1. However, he was sent off just minutes after coming on, receiving a yellow card for simulation followed by another for protesting the decision. Two other Śląsk Wrocław players had already been dismissed in that match, which St Gallen ultimately won with a late goal to progress. Ortiz’s absence is a settled matter, stemming from this past disciplinary action rather than any current fitness issue.
The combined absences of Sørloth and Ortiz come at an awkward time for Atlético Madrid, particularly affecting their attacking depth. Diego Simeone now faces the task of reshaping his forward line for one of European football’s most demanding away fixtures. The need to adapt his strategy and personnel will be crucial as Atlético aim to start their Champions League journey positively against Liverpool.