Koke trains with Atletico ahead of Real Madrid clash

It appears Koke will play some part in the Madrid Derby. The Atletico midfielder returned to training today and has handed Diego Simeone a boost ahead of the game on Sunday.

Koke suffered a hamstring strain against Eibar and was replaced after a hamstring. He has missed games against Getafe, Villarreal and Benfica.

Atletico won one and lost two of those games and are coming off two consecutive defeats as their hopes of a league title challenge hang in the balance.

It remains to be seen how Diego Simeone lines up against Real but with Koke in the team, they look far more solid in the middle. His absence has certainly been missed and while he hasn't started this season in the top form that he has shown over the last two season, his importance to the side is unquestioned.

Atletico have toyed with variations of Simeone's 4-4-2 formation and have even played in a 4-3-3 for times this season. It is highly doubtful that Simeone would play such an attacking formation against Real Madrid but if Koke does happen to make it back, he offers an excellent balance between attack and defense for his side.