Atletico Madrid have been dealt a fresh injury scare after Pablo Barrios was forced off during the win over Athletic Club.
Barrios was back in the Madrid starting lineup on Saturday night as Diego Simeone made sweeping changes from the 3-2 loss to Elche, in preparation for the Champions League semi-final first leg against Arsenal.
However, the midfielder was unable to complete the full 90 minutes as Atletico warmed up for the visit of the Gunners with a much-needed victory.
Barrios limped off just before the hour mark, replaced by Johnny Cardoso and it has since been revealed by Atletico that he has suffered a thigh issue.
A statement reads: “Barrios, substituted in the second half after feeling muscular discomfort in his left thigh.
“Pending further tests.”
The fact that Barrios was replaced, his reaction to going off and the subsequent update suggests he is a major doubt to face Arsenal in both legs of the Champions League semi-final.
Simeone is also sweating on the fitness of Ademola Lookman ahead of Wednesday night as the Nigeria international still has not recovered from the knock suffered in the Copa del Rey final loss to Real Sociedad.
In better news for the Atletico manager, Alexander Sorloth marked his return to action with a brace against Athletic Club to take his tally to 19 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions so far this season.
Marcos Llorente, Koke and Antoine Griezmann - also on the scoresheet - all started the 3-2 win and were replaced in the second half, while joint-top scorer Julian Alvarez was rested completely.
