Diego Simeone has confirmed that striker Antoine Griezmann will start for Atletico Madrid against Inter Milan tomorrow.
The Colchoneros coach spoke on Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, via FCInterNews. He made clear his plans regarding his star striker in tomorrow evening’s match.
Griezmann has been one of the main fitness doubts ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League round of sixteen second leg.
The Frenchman may not be the only player whose availability has been in question.
However, Griezmann is surely the most important to either team who has been on the sideliness.
The 32-year-old is Atletico’s talisman in attack. He provides goals, assists, and a link between midfield and attack.
Therefore, it is certainly that case that Atletico would want Griezmann on the pitch in a match as important as tomorrow’s if it is at all possible.
But Griezmann has been out for the past three weeks.
The Frenchman suffered an ankle sprain in the first leg against Inter last month. And he has not been part of a matchday squad ever since for the Colchoneros.
Simeone Confirms Griezmann To Start For Atletico Vs Inter
But recent reports have suggested that there is reason to think Griezmann will be ready tomorrow.
The 32-year-old reportedly trained with his teammates ahead of the team’s match away to Cadiz in La Liga over the weekend.
However, Griezmann did not travel with the squad for that match, a 2-0 loss.
The priority has always looked to be to have the Frenchman ready to face Inter. Even if, as reports suggest, he may have to grit his teeth and play through some pain.
And for his part, Atletico coach Simeone is leaving no doubt about the status of Griezmann for tomorrow’s match.
Asked if Griezmann can play the entire match tomorrow, Simeone said that “He’ll certainly start the match.”
“Hopefully he can give us what he always has done.”
As far as who the favourite to go to the next round is, Simeone said that “It’s hard to say. Inter are certainly ahead due to the result of the first leg.”
“But tomorrow will be another match to play,” the Atletico coach made clear.
Of the Nerazzurri, Simeone said that “For me they’re among the strongest teams in Europe.”
“Just look at the numbers they’ve been putting up, and at their matches. That speaks for itself.”
And of playing in front of the Metropolitano, Simeone said that “Our fans will be there as always. So we have to give them our best.”
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