“Atlético Madrid Faces Major Setback as Pablo Barrios Suffers Another Injury Amid Grueling Schedule”
Atlético Madrid’s promising young midfielder, Pablo Barrios, has sustained a muscle injury while representing Spain’s under-21s. This is a significant setback for Diego Simeone, as Barrios is expected to miss several crucial matches during what promises to be a hectic September for Atlético. The 21-year-old will likely be absent for Atlético’s Champions League opener against RB Leipzig and is also doubtful for the derby against Real Madrid later this month.
Last season, Barrios missed over 20 matches due to injury in his first full season with Atlético’s senior squad. Almost a year ago, he suffered a hamstring injury after scoring in the Champions League against Lazio, which sidelined him for a month. Shortly after returning, Barrios endured a torn meniscus following Atlético’s away win against Feyenoord, causing him to miss nearly two months.
Concerns about Barrios’ long-term fitness are valid given that this is his third significant injury in less than a year. However, it would be unfair to solely blame the player for his injury struggles. The 2023/24 season ended on May 26, and Barrios was back in competitive action less than two months later during the Summer Olympic Games in Paris. Spain won the gold medal on August 9, and Barrios played the full 90 minutes just 10 days later in Atlético’s 2-2 draw against Villarreal.
Football’s schedule has become increasingly demanding, and it’s long overdue for players and the media to address the physical and emotional strain caused by the relentless match calendar imposed by FIFA and other governing bodies. This season, LALIGA managed to fit a midweek round into August, despite the sweltering Madrid heat, which can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
The sport demands a lot from both players and those who cover it, particularly at the highest level. There is practically no “offseason,” as top players often have international duties as well. Unfortunately, things may get worse before they improve.
FIFA has announced plans for an expanded 32-team Club World Cup to be held in the United States next summer, which would typically be a time for players to rest. Atlético qualified for this expanded tournament last spring by accumulating enough club coefficient points, with the competition set to begin on June 15, 2025, just three weeks after the conclusion of the 2024/25 LALIGA season.
In the short term, Atlético will have to cope without Barrios, who has become a key player for Simeone thanks to his physical prowess and tactical flexibility. His absence could provide an opportunity for recent signing Conor Gallagher to secure a starting role, while right wing-back Nahuel Molina might see more playing time if Simeone shifts Marcos Llorente back into midfield during Barrios’ recovery.