Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey still faces a race against time to be fit for Atletico Madrid’s Champions League quarter-final with RB Leipzig.
Partey is a doubt for the match, set to take place in Lisbon on August 13, because of a muscle problem he picked up against Real Sociedad in the La Liga.
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Someone had hope that the 27 year old who has had an excellent campaign so far would shake off his injury problem and represent Los Rojoblancos in the crucial quarter final clash.
But as the days go by, it is looking highly unlikely that Partey would make the team list.
However, Simeone has started arranging for replacements ahead of the encounter.
If Thomas isn’t available to play Leipzig, El Cholo will deploy Koke and Saul Niguez as his two central midfielders.
The more natural option in the centre of midfield would be Hector Herrera, but he wouldn’t be Simeone’s first choice if Thomas is injured.
It wouldn’t be the first time Koke and Saul played together in the middle of the park – they did so in the 7-3 win over Real Madrid in pre-season last summer
CREDIT: Marca
