Thiago Almada Injury Update: Latest Details, Recovery Timeline, and Impact on Team

Atlético Madrid have received a significant injury setback after the September international break, as summer signing Thiago Almada suffered a muscle injury, which will keep him sidelined for several key matches. The midfielder, who played in Argentina's 3-0 win against Venezuela and assisted a Lionel Messi goal, was unable to take part against Ecuador due to physical problems.

Thiago Almada Injury Details

During international duty with Argentina, Thiago Almada suffered a muscle injury to his right leg. After playing for 81 minutes against Venezuela and assisting Messi for the win, he had physical discomfort against Ecuador and was ruled out. Once he returned to Madrid, Atlético’s medical staff confirmed the diagnosis and said it would be physiotherapy and rehab in the gym. The injury is not career-threatening and is serious enough that he will miss several weeks. Spanish newspaper Marca suggested Almada will return in at least three weeks, ruling him out of the immediate matches and making him a doubt for the Champions League match against Eintracht Frankfurt.

How Thiago Almada’s Injury Affects Atlético Madrid

Thiago Almada's absence comes at a tough time for Atlético Madrid. Almada, signed this summer, had quickly inserted himself into the midfield and become an important player for Atlético, providing creativity, chance creation, and progressive attacking transitions for the team. Almada regularly connected with Alonso Morata and Antoine Griezmann in the opening matches for Atleti.
With Almada as one of their attacking midfielders, Simeone has lost a player who was willing to take chances and propel the play forward to eventually break down opponents' defenses. Almada's injury is tough as it falls heavily on Rodrigo De Paul and Koke to distribute the ball creatively out of the midfield.

Possible Replacements and Tactical Adjustments

In Almada's absence, Diego Simeone will likely turn to Rodrigo De Paul and Koke to control the tempo of play in midfield, and could use Saúl Ñíguez in a more advanced role.
Since Atleti is a lengthy game plan team, Simeone may determine that he still wants to lean on Antoine Griezmann to drop in deeper and distribute the ball to fill the creative role left by Almada. Recovery of Pablo Barrios could also provide a layer of tactical flexibility within Simeone's framework, to keep a solid midfield balance, and the team can fill the role of Argentine #10 Almada.

When Will Thiago Almada Return? Recovery Timeline

Although Atlético Madrid has not given a specific date for Almada's return, Marca is reporting that Almada will spend at least three weeks in recovery. This appropriately rules him out of all La Liga fixtures against Villarreal, Mallorca, and Rayo Vallecano, in addition to the group's opening Champions League matches against Liverpool and the Madrid Derby on September 27.
If his rehabilitation course goes as expected, Almada may have an opportunity to return post-international break in October, when Argentina will play Venezuela and Puerto Rico in two friendly matches in the US. By that time, he will have over a month to recover, which would give us hope that he could be suitable enough to return in time for Atlético’s Champions League group matches and timing fixtures domestically in late October.