Luis Makes Atleti Return

Atletico Madrid have been handed a boost following the return to training of experienced full-back Filipe Luis. The Brazil international picked up a calf injury during Atleti’s 2-0 win at Real Sociedad at the start of March and they have struggled in his absence, losing two of their three games, including a 3-0 defeat to Juventus in the Champions League that saw them dumped out of that competition.

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However, with the majority of Diego Simeone’s side currently away on international duty, Luis has now returned to first-team training and he is likely to be in contention for next weekend’s trip to the Mendizorrotza to take on European hopefuls Alaves.

Juanfran has struggled while filling in at left-back in Luis’ absence and the 33-year-old’s return will also be a boost as Atleti’s other option in that position, Lucas Hernandez, remains sidelined with a knee injury.

Hernandez is unlikely to return to action until the middle of next month, while two of Atleti’s other injured players, Santiago Arias and Vitolo, will remain sidelined for a similar length of time. Atleti currently sit second in the La Liga standings, two points clear of city rivals Real Madrid, but a full 10 behind runaway leaders Barcelona.