Atlético Madrid Faces Levante Without Key Midfielders Due to Injuries

Atlético Madrid is set to face Levante at the challenging Ciutat de València stadium without key midfielders Koke Resurrección and Johnny Cardoso. Manager Diego Simeone confirmed that both players remain sidelined due to muscle injuries, forcing the technical staff to reshapes the squad ahead of the fixture.

The absence of Johnny Cardoso stems from a low-grade thigh injury sustained during Atlético's Champions League match against Stuttgart. The U.S. Men's National Team midfielder experienced discomfort late in the game after coming off the bench and subsequently missed the victory over Deportivo, remaining unavailable for Saturday's encounter.

Alongside Cardoso, team captain Koke is also continuing his recovery from a muscular issue. Neither player has recovered in time to make the trip to Valencia, leaving their availability in doubt for the upcoming Champions League meeting against Bayern Munich at the Metropolitano.

Despite these setbacks in the middle of the pitch, Atlético welcomes back Argentine defender Cristian 'Cuti' Romero. Romero returns to the matchday squad after missing previous fixtures due to a muscle strain, providing a significant boost to the defensive line as the team prepares for a demanding stretch of matches.

Simeone emphasized his characteristic game-by-game philosophy, noting that the team is fully focused on the domestic challenge rather than looking ahead to European competition. Securing a victory against Levante would allow Atlético to temporarily move to the summit of the LaLiga standings, exerting immediate pressure on Barcelona.

The fixture historically presents a difficult test for the visitors, but the coaching staff intends to field a competitive lineup capable of maintaining momentum. Players such as Giuliano, who returns to the starting setup after rotating previously, and attacking options like Julián Álvarez are expected to feature prominently in Valencia.

Following the weekend clash, Atlético will quickly shift its attention back to continental action as they host Bayern Munich. However, squad rotation and tactical adjustments will be critical for Simeone's side as they attempt to balance domestic ambitions with high-stakes European fixtures amidst a mounting injury list.