Grimaldo returns to Atlético as the club feels the biggest break strain

Full‑back Alejandro Grimaldo, who left the Red's training camp due to a niggle, is rejoining Atlético de Madrid and is expected to be available for the match in Mendizorroza, the club's sports journalist reported.

Recovery at the Ciudad Deportiva

At the Ciudad Deportiva in Majadahonda, coach Diego Simeón led the session in which Grimaldo performed individual work before joining his teammates in the second half of training. If the player does not arrive on time, the Argentine has indicated that David Hancko will replace him.

Atlético's wear during the break

Atlético de Madrid is the LaLiga club that has contributed the most players to their national teams during the long international window, accumulating 2,602 minutes, 47 more than Barcelona and 288 more than Real Madrid, with 17 players called up. This intensive usage has turned the colchoneros into victims of fatigue during the break.

Offensive situation and other news

Alexander Sorloth and Ademola Lookman trained normally and are ready to return, while Morten Hjulmand, after playing for Denmark, took refuge in the gym alongside former Sporting player Johnny Cardoso, Barrios and Koke. Academy graduates Llorente and Dani Martínez also trained without issues.

In attack, Atlético has barely used its three centre‑forwards at this stage: of almost 8,000 minutes played by the squad, only 350 belong to Sorloth, Julián Álvarez and Jonathan David. Injuries and the late arrival of the Canadian have limited offensive planning, and only three matches in seven LaLiga rounds and one Champions League fixture have started with a centre‑forward.

Jonathan David has benefited so far, with three goals and one assist, while the Norwegian Sorloth is already fit and the battle for the spot remains open.