Atletico Madrid have been dealt a significant injury setback ahead of their UEFA Champions League semi-final clash against Arsenal, with two key attacking players now racing against time to prove their fitness following issues sustained in the Copa del Rey final. 

The Spanish side are monitoring both players closely after they ended the match with physical discomfort, casting doubt over their availability for the crucial European encounter.

Arsenal are preparing for one of their biggest European nights in recent years as they gear up to face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final. The Gunners have impressed throughout the competition and now find themselves just two matches away from reaching the final, in what promises to be a tense and tactical showdown against Diego Simeone’s experienced side.

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Mikel Arteta’s team have shown resilience in the knockout rounds, overcoming tough opposition to book their place in the last four. With the tie expected to be finely balanced, Arsenal will be hoping to capitalise on any potential advantage, particularly as injuries threaten to disrupt Atletico Madrid’s preparations for the first leg.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid enter the semi-final under pressure after their recent Copa del Rey disappointment. The Spanish club lost the final on penalties to Real Sociedad, and the physical toll of that encounter has now raised fresh concerns for Simeone ahead of the clash with Arsenal.

Reports indicate that both Ademola Lookman and Alexander Sorloth finished the Copa del Rey final with physical problems, prompting the club’s medical staff to recommend caution. Atletico confirmed that the pair would follow individual training plans in the coming days, with their return dependent on how their conditions improve.

Lookman was substituted after 62 minutes of the final after scoring his side’s opening goal, with the issue later identified as discomfort in the adductor area. The Nigerian international has been influential since arriving earlier this year, scoring key goals including one that helped Atletico progress in the Champions League quarter-finals.

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Sorloth, meanwhile, also ended the game with discomfort after featuring in the second half. The Norwegian striker has been a major attacking outlet for Atletico this season, contributing goals in both La Liga and the Champions League.

Both players missed training sessions following the final and are expected to sit out upcoming domestic fixtures, leaving their involvement against Arsenal uncertain. Their absence would represent a significant blow for Simeone, particularly given their combined attacking contributions this season.

With the Champions League now Atletico Madrid’s primary focus following domestic disappointment, the Spanish side will be hoping the duo recover in time.

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