Atletico travel to face Liverpool without four key players and doubts over fifth

Atletico Madrid will make their Champions League debut this season at the scene of one of their most famous European nights, when they knocked Liverpool out at Anfield in extra time, courtesy of a brace from Marcos Llorente. Manager Diego Simeone has his work cut out to perform a similar miracle on Wednesday night.

Los Colchoneros finally got their first win of the season on Saturday night with a 2-0 victory over Villarreal, but now have a mounting injury list for their clash with Liverpool. It was known that Simeone would not be able to call on playmakers Thiago Almada and Alex Baena through injury but now further absences have emerged.

The major news is that Julian Alvarez and Johnny Cardoso have not traveled to Merseyside for the clash. Alvarez came off at the weekend with muscle discomfort, and Diario AS say that they are not keen to take any risks with them due to the packed calendar. Cardoso did train as part of the team on Monday, but has been left out for the trip, remanining with Baena, Almada and Jose Maria Gimenez.

The positive news is that David Hancko has traveled. Their star defensive signing this summer has been included in their squad, although there is serious doubt over his ability to play. Hancko picked up what has been diagnosed as an ankle sprain following a challenge with ex-Atletico Madrid defender Santiago Mourino, but it is not clear how likely it is he features.

Alvarez’s absence paves the way for Alexander Sorloth to start the match up front, while Javi Galan and Matteo Ruggeri are the specialist left-backs that could play instead of Hancko. In central defence, Robin Le Normand and Clement Lenglet seem likely to start. Simeone will select his midfield without Cardoso from Koke Resurreccion, Pablo Barrios, Conor Gallagher or perhaps even Marcos Llorente, with the former pairing starting at the weekend.