Atletico Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios to miss three matches with calf injury

Atletico Madrid will be without Pablo Barrios for their next three matches after the midfielder suffered a calf injury, according to Spanish newspaper Marca.

Barrios raised concerns during Atletico’s meeting with Liverpool at Anfield, when he was forced to leave the pitch in the second half. Subsequent examinations confirmed that he had sustained an injury to his calf.

Although the problem is not considered serious, it is expected to keep Barrios out of three fixtures. He will miss Sunday’s La Liga match against Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena and Wednesday’s game against Osasuna.

There are also significant doubts over whether Barrios will recover in time for Atletico Madrid’s derby against Real Madrid.

His absence represents a setback for Diego Simeone’s side as they prepare for a demanding week of fixtures. Barrios has become one of the manager’s key players during the current period and has featured prominently in Atletico’s plans.

The 21-year-old has made five appearances for Atletico Madrid since the start of the current season and has provided one assist.