Le Normand set for Atletico Madrid return after brain injury

Atletico Madrid defender Robin Le Normand will be available for Thursday's Copa del Rey match at CP Cacereno after recovering from a brain injury, Diego Simeone has revealed.

Le Normand suffered a traumatic brain injury in a collision with Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni during a 1-1 derby draw in September, requiring lengthy on-pitch treatment.

The 28-year-old has made eight appearances for Atletico since joining from Real Sociedad in the final season after winning the 2024 European Championship with Spain.

Los Colchoneros insisted they would be patient with Le Normand's recovery, and after more than two months on the sidelines, he is now ready for a return to action.

“First of all we thought about the player's health. That's what the club, the doctors and the physios focused on as a first step,” Simeone told reporters on Wednesday.

“Then comes the player, who started to get in shape and is now ready to start from tomorrow. Given the enthusiasm he conveys, he is very happy and wants to help the team.”

Next stop: Cáceres pic.twitter.com/MsOHaU91QR

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish” >@atletienglish) December 4, 2024

Atletico are on a seven-match winning streak heading into Thursday's second round but Simeone is not getting ahead of themselves as they look to maintain their good form.

“We have things to improve, the team grows from a block and I always call that block a team, neither attacking nor defending,” Simeone said.

“From there we need that consistency, which is the hardest thing to maintain during the season.”

Simeone could shuffle his pack ahead of the game, and while he's excited to see some of his fringe players, he has warned them to expect a tough challenge.

“We have the motto: 'Wearing the Atletico shirt in every match is a great opportunity'. Many would like to be in our place and we must have this ingrained in us,” Simeone said.

“From there we will put together a team that will try to hurt a Cacereno team that is doing very well at home and that will compete as they did against Real Madrid (in the 1-0 defeat in the Copa del Rey last January).”