Diego Simeone will be forced to name a makeshift backline for Atletico Madrid’s visit of Eibar in La Liga on Saturday.
Bans for Filipe Luis, Diego Godin (red cards against Barcelona) and Juanfran (five yellows), a muscle injury to Stefan Savic, plus Guilherme Siqueira’s exit to Valencia, means midfielder Saul Niguez may be forced to partner Jose Maria Gimenez – one booking away from his own suspension – in central defence.
Jesus Gamez is then expected to fill in for Juanfran at right-back, with youngster Lucas Hernandez on the opposite side, Thomas Partey should replace Saul in the middle of the park, while Angel Correa and Yannick Carrasco are set to flank Antoine Griezmann up top.
Finally, Theo Hernandez and Nacho Monsalve have been promoted from Atleti B to make up the numbers in the matchday squad.
Probable AtletI XI against Eibar: Oblak; Gamez, Saul, Gimenez, L Hernandez; Koke, Gabi, Thomas; Carrasco, Griezmann, Correa
