Atleti face a three-week break as 16 internationals leave Simeone short

Atlético Madrid face their first international break of the season with an unusual twist: it will last three weeks, the longest stretch of this kind in recent years, according to Mundo Deportivo. The reason is the unusually high number of players called up by their national teams—up to 16—which means only eight are currently available for Diego Simeone in Madrid.

Simeone left with 8

Mundo Deportivo lists the eight players who have not been called: Johnny Cardoso, Koke, Barrios, Sorloth, Llorente, Arnau, Le Normand and Dani Martínez. In Sorloth’s case, the article says it’s due to injury. Barrios is also unavailable for the same reason, and the text adds that Luis de la Fuente was considering him for the World Cup.

The report also notes that Marcos Llorente has decided to end his spell with the Spain national team, while Cardoso missed the World Cup because of injury and is not, for now, in Mauricio Pochettino’s plans.

Training with the academy

With such a big group away, the coaching staff will likely rely more than usual on the academy to keep the squad training. The article adds that Barrios and Sorloth are in the medical room, though they’re expected to return soon.

Argentina provides the biggest chunk of Atlético’s international presence: Julián Álvarez, Musso, Giuliano and the Cuti Romero are set to continue with Scaloni in the early matches of the qualifying route towards the 2030 World Cup. Pubill, Baena and Grimaldo are heading to Luis de la Fuente’s side for the Nations League, while Rodrigo Mendoza and Salvi Esquivel have been called up for the Under-21 qualifying commitments towards next year’s European Championship.

The rest of the internationals named by Mundo Deportivo are Kang-in Lee, Hancko, Oblak, Lookman, Obed Vargas, Hjulmand and Jonathan David. The report states that the 16 players should start returning to Madrid in two weeks, and Atlético resume competitive action on Saturday 10 October against Alavés.