Atlético Madrid Could Be Without Two Forwards Against Liverpool
Atlético Madrid are expected to travel to Anfield without two attacking options when they face Liverpool in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Diego Simeone’s side are returning to Merseyside for another European encounter with the Reds, having suffered a dramatic 3–2 defeat in their previous meeting at Anfield last September, when Virgil van Dijk scored a late winner.
The fixture will also represent an important occasion for Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola, who is preparing for his first Champions League match as a manager.
Sorloth Doubtful, Ortiz Suspended
According to reports from Spain, Alexander Sørloth is unlikely to recover from his injury in time to feature against Liverpool. The Norwegian striker is reportedly still not expected to be available for the trip.
Atlético will also be without Arnau Ortiz, who remains suspended following a red card he received while playing for Slask Wroclaw against St Gallen in the Conference League two years ago. The suspension has yet to be served because he has not appeared in another European fixture since.
Atlético Still Have Plenty of Attacking Threat
Despite those two absences, Simeone still has several dangerous attacking players available.
Giuliano Simeone can provide a threat from the right side, while Alex Baena has made an impressive start to the campaign, scoring three times in his first four appearances.
Liverpool will also be wary of Marcos Llorente. The Spanish midfielder has enjoyed playing at Anfield in the past, having scored twice on each of his previous visits to Merseyside.
Atlético have made a mixed start domestically, collecting seven points from their opening four matches. Their momentum was dented further by a heavy 3–0 defeat away to Athletic Bilbao at the weekend.
Liverpool, meanwhile, enter the Champions League encounter with renewed confidence after securing a 2–0 victory over Ipswich Town, although Iraola’s team also have attacking absences, with Hugo Ekitike and Federico Chiesa sidelined.
With both teams dealing with unavailable forwards, Wednesday’s meeting at Anfield is expected to be another competitive Champions League battle. Liverpool will hope their attacking strength can help them repeat last season’s victory over Atlético and continue their positive momentum.
