Champions League: Players set to miss the semi-final due to injury or suspension, Predicted Lineups
The UEFA Champions League is back this week and we’re down to the final four teams. The first legs of the semi-finals take place on 2 and 3 May but not all teams will have their key players available for the clash.
The Madrid derby is arguably the bigger fixture in the semi-finals. Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have met each other in two of the last three Champions League finals with Real coming out on top on both occasions to win their 10th and 11th European crowns.
But it remains to be seen if Los Blancos can beat their derby rivals over two legs. And the players unavailable to Zinedine Zidane’s side might have an impact on the result. However, Atletico also have problems of their own.
In the other fixture, it is a clash of youth vs experience as AS Monaco take on Juventus. Monaco are certainly the dark horses this season and have surprised one and all with their results in the previous rounds. Juventus, the 2015 runners-up, will have their hands full over the two legs.
Atletico Madrid
Diego Simeone will be looking to claim his first win over Real Madrid in the Champions League when they lock horns on 2 May. In the 2014 and 2016 finals, both matches went into extra-time with the latter even going to penalties.
Among the key players who are injured is Yannick Carrasco. The Belgian winger has scored 14 goals for the Rojiblancos this season but only lasted 16 minutes in the 1-0 win over Villarreal.
A collarbone injury saw the 23-year-old substituted and replaced by Fernando Torres. However, in spite of a clavicle injury, Carrasco was seen in training. But whether he starts the game is up for debate.
Jose Gimenez will most likely miss the clash after he was forced off the pitch in the 5-0 win over Las Palmas. The Uruguayan defender was injured in a battle with Kevin-Prince Boateng.
A grade two tear in his left adductor muscle will require him to be sidelined for at least two weeks. He was easily one of the best players on the pitch against Leicester City when deployed in midfield.
Gimenez’s injury will be difficult to swallow as he has deputised at right-back following injuries to Juanfran and Sime Vrsaljko. Other players with long-term injuries who may not play a part are Miguel Angel Moya and Tiago Mendes.
Predicted Lineup: Jan Oblak; Stefan Savic, Lucas Hernandez, Diego Godin, Filipe Luis; Nicolas Gaitan, Saul Niguez, Gabi, Koke; Kevin Gameiro, Antoine Griezmann