The Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak has returned to group training with Atletico Madrid, giving him the green light to participate in the upcoming match against Barcelona in La Liga.

The team's training sessions held in "Majadahonda" saw Oblak joining his teammates after overcoming physical pains that had been bothering him recently, making him available to coach Diego Simeone at a critical time in the season. The team is preparing for a "marathon" of tough matches, including a clash with Barcelona in La Liga and then a renewed encounter with them in the Champions League next Wednesday.

Despite Oblak's return, Simeone faces a midfield crisis due to the absence of several players due to injury and suspension, including Barrios, Bobel, Mendoza, Cardoso, and Marcos Llorente.

The coach is expected to rely on the duo Koke and Obed Vargas in the midfield, with the possibility of utilizing Alex Baena in the pivot position.

The expectations suggest that Simeone might give the opportunity to players who continued training during the international break, such as Le Normand, Koke, Ruggieri, and Lenglet, in order to rest some of the internationals returning from their national duties and ensure their readiness for upcoming matches.