The Argentine center-back did not take part in the final training session before the match, choosing to conserve energy so he is in the best possible condition to face Barcelona.
As Marca previously reported, there were doubts about whether Cristian Romero would play, and he has now settled the matter himself: while his teammates completed their final training session before facing Bayern, he stayed in the gym, with only Cardoso training individually on an adjacent pitch. His return to the starting lineup will therefore likely wait until Sunday, when Barcelona visit the Civitas Metropolitano for a direct clash between two of the top teams.
Although the Argentina international has recovered and traveled with the team to Valencia, where he was included in the squad against Levante, he is not yet ready to play two such high-intensity matches within five days and stay at peak condition for both. He could certainly play against the German giants this Tuesday, but that might affect his physical condition for the Barcelona match. Given his importance to the team, a cautious approach is therefore more likely, at least regarding his place in the starting lineup. He will be saved for the weekend.
Meanwhile, Cuti continues his recovery with the rehabilitation staff, Simeone will hold a training session on grass, and Koke returns to the squad, which could be Simeone's main change against the German giants. However, Simeone did not reveal his plans in this training session.
Two doubts in the starting lineup
Simeone still appears to have two doubts for the match against Bayern: who will replace Cristian Romero, and who will partner Barrios in central midfield. Both Pubill and Le Normand could feature at center-back, depending on Llorente's position, whether he plays as a full-back or in midfield, as he has done in several Champions League matches when Koke was absent.