João Félix lasts just 45 minutes in return to action

João Félix had to be removed less than a minute after the half-time break following an ankle turn against Real Betis on Sunday night.

The Portuguese started the 1-1 draw in Luis Suárez’s absence and was involved in Atlético Madrid’s opening goal along with strike partner Ángel Correa. But he could not evade a sliding tackle from Aïssa Mandi at the end of the first half and rolled his right ankle coming back to earth following a shot attempt.

Félix re-appeared after the break and could be seen limping as he tried to adjust to whatever treatment he received at the break. Just seconds later, however, he signalled to the bench and clearly couldn’t continue. Lucas Torreira replaced him as Diego Simeone was forced into another system switch.

On the bench afterward, Félix was seen with an iced and heavily-bandaged ankle as we await news on how long he will be out with this latest setback.

Photo by Mateo Villalba/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

“João is in pain that doesn’t let him play as he pleases,” Simeone said after the final whistle. “Let’s hope he makes an effort so that he can help us next week.”

Sunday night was Félix’s first action since the draw against Getafe on March 13, and all eyes were on the 21-year-old as he tries to turn his form around. Atlético’s record signing has not been involved in a goal since he volleyed to the back of the net against Villarreal on Feb. 28. He made a couple nice moves with the ball at his feet in the first half but wasn’t as involved as he might have liked and continues to cut a frustrated figure on the field for Atlético.

Félix has scored seven goals in LaLiga this season, adding another three in the Champions League, but he has just two goals in 2021.