Šime Vrsaljko injury not as bad as first feared

Yesterday, we posted (what was at the time) an update on Šime Vrsaljko’s left knee, which, per initial reports, indicated Atlético Madrid were afraid that the right back’s season was over. However, the outlook became quite a bit rosier for Vrsaljko after more tests on Monday.

Atlético’s fears that Vrsaljko had torn his left anterior cruciate ligament were not fully realized. Vrsaljko does indeed have an ACL tear, but it is a partial tear that will not require surgery. Thus, it is now expected that the 25-year-old will be back in a month. That timetable would indicate that Atleti plan to have him ready for the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinal tie against Leicester City.

Vrsaljko will miss a few important games - home to Real Sociedad, a Madrid Derby away, the first leg against Leicester - but overall, Atleti have lucked out here. As long as Juanfran (who played his 200th league game in red and white on Sunday) doesn't get hurt next month, los colchoneros will probably be just fine in Vrsaljko’s absence.