Antoine Griezmann will be out for Atletico Madrid in Thursday’s Copa Del Rey clash with Athletic Bilbao after picking up an ankle injury against Inter Milan.
Today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Corriere della Sera, via FCInterNews, update on the 32-year-old’s fitness with the second leg of the Champions League tie against Inter looming.
Last week, Inter beat Atletico Madrid in the first leg of a Champions League round of sixteen tie.
It was a damaging defeat for the Colchoneros. However, the narrow margin of victory – Inter won by a 1-0 scoreline – means that the La Liga giants will have confidence that they can turn it around in the reverse leg in Madrid.
But apart from the result, another blow to Atletico came in the form of an injury to Griezmann.
The talismanic striker had to come off as a substitute late in the second half. Angel Correa replaced him in attack.
Antoine Griezmann Out For Atletico Madrid Vs Athletic Club Clash As Inter Second Leg Looms
It was immediately apparent that Griezmann was dealing with a problem in his ankle on the bench.
And tests confirmed that the injury was a sprain.
It is not exactly certain when Griezmann will be able to return to the pitch.
But naturally, a priority for Atletico will be to have the 2018 World Cup winner back and at his best in time for the second leg of the tie against Inter.
That comes in less than two weeks.
Therefore, the clock is ticking somewhat regarding a return for Griezmann against Inter.
And the Frenchman will miss Atletico’s next match.
The Colchoneros take on Basque side Athletic Club in the second leg of a Copa Del Rey semifinal tie. And Griezmann will not be part of the squad for that match, the Corriere della Sera report.
