Atletico Madrid suffered a significant blow during the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Arsenal, as striker Julian Alvarez was forced to leave the field due to an ankle injury, raising concerns within the coaching staff ahead of the return match in London.

The Argentine star was seen limping for several minutes before sitting on the pitch, prompting coach Diego Simeone to substitute him in the 75th minute with his teammate Alex Baena. The injury occurred after an Arsenal player fell on his leg during a strong tackle.

Atletico's problems did not stop with Alvarez alone, as Giuliano Simeone also left the match at halftime due to physical discomfort, joining the list of absentees that includes Pablo Barrios, Nico Gonzalez, and Jose Maria Gimenez.

Simeone faces a real headache ahead of the crucial return leg in London in six days, as his involvement on several fronts this season, having reached the cup final and the Champions League semi-finals, has caused immense physical pressure on his players.