Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke expected to return this weekend

Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke has resumed training and is set to return to Diego Simeone’s lineup this weekend against Sevilla.

The 23-year-old’s last appearance was February 7th when he was substituted during the opening minutes of the Madrid derby after picking up a muscle injury.

Initially, it was expected Koke would be sidelined for up to four weeks. But the midfielder resumed training on Monday and is on course for a slight earlier return when Atletico Madrid travels to fifth-place Sevilla on Sunday

Earlier today, the midfielder trained alongside his Atletico teammates who started on the bench during last night’s Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen.

Following the session, Koke took to his official Twitter account to update fans on his status: “Feeling really good in today’s training with Atleti.”

The news of Koke returning to Diego Simeone’s match day squad will come as a relief to the club’s supporters since Atletico have been beset by injuries and suspensions in recent weeks.

Last night, the club was handed a double injury blow when left-back Guilherme Siqueira was taken off in the 38th minute with a hamstring strain. The Brazilian defender was joined by midfielder Saul Niguez, who had to be substituted four minutes later due to a blow to his chest – it was later learned that the 20-year-old Spaniard suffered kidney trauma.

Tiago and Diego Godin are already set to miss the return leg at the Vicente Calderon due to suspension.

Programming note: Sevilla vs. Atletico Madrid will be shown LIVE on Sunday starting at 12:55pm EST on beINSPORTS en español (to be joined LIVE at 1:30pm EST on beINSPORT) and DishWorld.