Atlético Madrid dealt double injury blow ahead of Champions League clash with Liverpool

Atlético Madrid have been dealt a major double injury blow ahead of their Champions League opener against Liverpool on Wednesday.

Strikers Julian Álvarez and midfielder Johnny Cardoso have both been ruled out of the clash.

The news is a major setback for the Spanish side, who are already dealing with a number of injury problems in their squad.

The absence of the two players will put a lot of pressure on manager Diego Simeone’s side, as they travel to Anfield for what is arguably their most difficult fixture in the league phase this season.

Álvarez’s injury is a major blow for his side.

The forward was a key part of Atlético’s attack last season, scoring seven goals in 10 Champions League games.

His absence, along with the other four players who are ruled out, will be a major challenge for the Spanish side as they look to get their Champions League campaign off to a good start.

Julian Álvarez suffered a knee injury during Atlético’s 2-0 victory over Villarreal on Saturday.

The Argentine forward, who assisted Pablo Barrios for the opening goal, was substituted at half-time and has not trained with the group since.

Meanwhile, Johnny Cardoso is also a late withdrawal, due to a sprained left ankle sustained in training on Monday.

Cardoso had been testing as a starter in midfield, which means Simeone will have to change his intended line-up.

The absence of Julian Álvarez and Johnny Cardoso will have a major impact on the game as Alvarez is pivotal in Atlético’s attack and Cardoso’s control in the midfield will be missed.

The Premier League champions will be looking to take advantage of the situation and get their Champions League campaign off to a good start.