Atletico Madrid made a disappointing start to the season after a 2-1 loss at Espanyol, and they have now received bad news in the last 24 hours.
Alex Baena was withdrawn halfway through the second half to the RCDE stadium, which was a decision that many Athleti supporters were not happy with. But it turns out that it was a decision that Diego Simeone had to make, given that the former midfielder of Villarreal bought an injury.
An official medical report from Atleti has confirmed that Baena has sustained a low degree of muscle injury after tests on Wednesday.
“Álex Baena was unable to complete the training session on Wednesday after feeling some muscle development. The Spanish international has undergone tests and the report offered by the club's medical services indicates that he has a low muscle injury.
“The red-and-white '10' will perform physiotherapy sessions and the size work in the gym and the evolution of his injury will determine his return to competition.”
According to Marca, it is an adductor injury that Baena has sustained, and it is expected that he will be out for two weeks. If that is the case, he will miss the first home game of this weekend of the season against Elche, as well as the trip to Alaves seven days later – and it may also mean that Luis de la Fuente avoids him to call for Spain's 2026 World Cup qualifications against Bulgaria and Türkiye.
Atleti does have coverage for Baena, so it is unlikely that he will be retrieved for the trip to Alaves-for which he is currently touching. The options that Simeone has to replace him are Antoine Griezmann, Alexander Sorloth and Conor Gallagher.