Jose Gimenez OUT of Champions League semi-final, right-back becomes a massive problem for Atleti

Jose Gimenez has is out of the Champions League tie against Real Madrid on Tuesday and the second leg at the Vicente Calderon on the 10th of May. It is a Grade II injury to the left thigh, according to the club’s official site.

At one point in the season, Atletico had the best one-two punch at right-back in European football. The energetic Sime Vrsaljko had stolen the starting spot but the experienced Juanfran was there to step in to save Atleti losing a step.

Bot players went down with different injuries, Vrsaljko a knee injury and Juanfran a thigh injury, but the Croatian has returned to training with Juanfran expected to follow soon. Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final

Our very own JB wrote about Jose Gimenez recently and his importance to the side. He had been deployed as a defensive midfielder before being thrown in at right-back and holding his own in recent weeks there.

Atletico have been relatively healthy this season save for Gimenez, Augusto Fernandez and their two right-backs but with Yannick Carrasco’s injury and now Gimenez, leaving them with no options at the position.

Thomas Partey’s name has been mentioned as a replacement at right-back and Lucas Hernandez might be able to adapt but heavily favours his left foot and could get turned inside out on that side of the field.