Pablo Barrios resumes step-by-step return before Arsenal semi-final | OneFootball

Pablo Barrios has returned to action and is being eased back to full sharpness, with Saturday framed as a significant marker before the Champions League.

He was back in the squad for the Copa but did not play despite six substitutions, then returned to the pitch at the Martínez Valero, entering in the 62nd minute as part of a planned triple change.

After that game, Diego Simeone said the priority is for Barrios to feel like a footballer again after many days out, that he is returning and improving, and he had previously called him their best midfielder.

He was injured at La Cartuja on 5 February. From then until his comeback he managed only 22 minutes against Tottenham on 10 March. After the Betis game he missed nine through a muscle problem, returned for the Champions League and suffered another setback, which ruled him out of seven more matches, eight including the Copa del Rey final, plus the Spain international window.

Barrios had been among Atlético’s standout performers this season. In his absence Koke carried a heavy workload and Marcos Llorente covered issues in midfield, while Cardoso lacked continuity due to physical problems.

The plan now is for him to start against Athletic, and if all goes as it should and he feels right, also against Arsenal in the semi-finals.

Source: as.com