Neither player will travel to Lisbon
On Sunday night, it was reported that two Atletico Madrid players tested positive for coronavirus. It has now been revealed that those two players are forward Angel Correa and right-back Sime Vrsaljko.
Both players will of course subsequently miss out on Atletico’s Champions League quarter-final against RB Leipzig in Lisbon this week.
The families of the two players and the rest of the playing squad and coaching staff have all been tested, with all results coming back negative.
“The club’s medical services have received the authorisation in both cases to reveal the identities and to end the speculation,” the club’s statement said.
“Correais in isolation at home without presenting any symptoms.
“Vrsaljko, who was recovering from an injury away from the group, is also asymptomatic and is also staying at his home.
“However, Vrsaljko’s case is considered to be a solved one by the health authorities since he generated antibodies months ago.
“Doctors will monitor both players, as the health protocol outlines.”
Correa will be a big miss for Atletico, who will miss his pace and running in behind. In his absence, it is likely we will see Marcos Llorente line up in his new, advanced role, alongside Alvaro Morata.
Llorente and Morata scored the goals to knock out current holders Liverpool in the round of 16, after Atletico put on another defensive masterclass that has come to define the Diego Simeone era.
El Cholo’s boys will now take on a Leipzig side who have impressed hugely throughout the campaign, knocking out Tottenham Hotspur. But after star striker Timo Werner’s transfer to Chelsea, Julian Nagelsmann will have to adapt his tactical approach as he faces the already difficult challenge of breaking down one of the toughest defences in Europe.
