Simeone improvises: Atlético travel to Sevilla without a pure No. 9

Atlético head to Sevilla with a forward line that’s been heavily disrupted. As MARCA reports, Simeone won’t have a “pure” No. 9 available: Sorloth and Julián Alvarez are out, forcing him to improvise up front beyond the youth option Cubo.

Changes in the squad

Per the source, Lookman—and again Giuliano—are set up as the most natural choices to play more advanced, while the other alternatives to operate as a second striker are Kang-in, Baena, Mendoza and Arnau Ortiz.

The situation gets tougher due to another absence in defense: Le Normand misses the match through suspension after the red card he received in the game against Villarreal. Also left out are Lemar and Obed Vargas, both described as players likely to be looking for an exit.

Surprise call-up: Cuti Romero

With those gaps, Cuti Romero is the big surprise in Simeone’s squad for the trip. As MARCA lists, the 24-man group includes Oblak, Musso, Esquivel, Llorente, Pubill, Giménez, Hancko, Grimaldo, Cuti Romero, Domínguez, Dani Martínez, Koke, Hjulmand, Barrios, Cardoso, Baena, Mendoza, Castillo, Kang-in, Arnau Ortiz, Carlos Martín, Giuliano, Lookman and Cubo.