José Giménez an injury worry for Manchester City clash

José María Giménez is questionable for Atlético Madrid’s game against Manchester City on Tuesday night after leaving the field late against Alavés.

The Uruguayan was substituted after 85 minutes and walked to the bench gingerly. There has been no official confirmation of an injury problem, but Marca say it was Giménez who asked to be changed.

He walked slowly to the sideline and was very upset on the bench after the change.

Diego Simeone had Javi Serrano ready to come on, but had to change his plans at the last minute with Felipe Montero sprung from the bench to replace Giménez.

The 27-year-old’s partnership with Stefan Savić has been part of the reason why Atlético have turned their season around. They have now won six games in a row and have finally gathered some momentum and consistency moving into the final stretch of the season.

The potential injury comes as a particularly cruel blow for the defender who has been plagued by muscular Issues during his career, missing important fixtures regularly. Giménez missed the second leg against Red Bull Salzburg and the first leg against Chelsea in last season’s Champions League and has suffered a number of injuries again this season.

Giménez is one of the better defenders in the world when healthy and Manchester City were reportedly interested in signing him in 2020. Enrique Cerezo, Atlético’s president, confirmed that Pep Guardiola’s side offered €85 million for his services. Atlético rebuffed that offer and pointed to his €120 million release clause.

If Giménez can’t go on Tuesday, Felipe will likely take his place. The Brazilian defender had a magnificent first season for Atlético but has struggled this season and lost his place when Simeone decided to play four at the back with two central defenders.