Jose Maria Gimenez has returned to his worst moment as an Atletico Madrid player since the centre-back arrived at the age of 18 where his first season, 2013/14, was one of learning.
He obtained the equivalent of a master's degree alongside his compatriot Diego Godin and the Brazilian Miranda, which allowed him to take a leap forward at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, making him one of the best central defenders in the world and he was actually a starter for Uruguay before Atletico.
In the following campaign he took up a more important role, playing 28 games between LaLiga Santander, Copa del Rey and the Champions League which gave the feeling that Diego Simeone had found a defender who would last a decade.
In spite of all that, and due to the hierarchy of the defenders with whom he shared a position, he still spent some time on the bench.
Little by little, Gimenez grew in importance until he became one of Simeone's favourite players, also a favourite of the fans for his commitment and courage on the pitch.
In fact, in the last few seasons only injuries, unfortunately more often than he would have liked, have kept him from the starting line-up.
When he was available, he quickly regained his place at the back, until now.
Sunday's match against Espanyol was to be the fourth match in a row - after Valencia, Liverpool and Villarreal - in which he was to sit alongside Simeone on the bench for the first time since 2015.
Discomfort in his knee will now force him out and he has not been included in the matchday squad.
The excellent performance of the duo of Stefan Savic and Felipe has left him without the opportunity to take to the field.