Torres, Griezmann and Mandzukic set to start for Atletico Madrid against Celta Vigo

Due to injuries and suspension, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone is set to start Fernando Torres, Antoine Griezmann and Mario Mandzukic together for the first time this season.

Atletico will be lacking creativity tomorrow against Celta Vigo due to the suspensions of Arda Turan and Raul Garcia; and because of the loss of Koke to a hamstring injury.

To replace the talented attackers, Simeone has elected to start the trident of Griezmann, Mandzukic and Torres (GMT) at the Balaidos on Sunday afternoon.

“In principal we’re going to see if we can approach the Celta game this way [starting GMT],” Simeone said in his pre-match press conference today. “There are many variables in which we can fit Griezmann, Mandzukic and Torres: 4-3-1-2, 4-3-3, 4-3-2-1 or 4-4-2.”

“Griezmann can play in attack or out wide. In the 4-3-2-1, we can play with Mandzukic and Griezmann as the two and Torres as the one up top. We can play Torres on the right…we’ll see how they set up and then we’ll position ourselves.”

The three players have been playing off the charts since the start of the New Year.

Last week, Griezmann was named La Liga’s Player of the Month for January by the LFP. Mandzukic has settled in quickly with Simeone’s side and is currently leading the team in goals scored (19). While Torres has quieted his critics with vastly improved performances since returning to his boyhood club last month.

Simeone will be looking to capitalize on the players’ recent form and snatch the three points against a stubborn Celta Vigo at the Balaidos tomorrow.

Atletico Madrid now trail league-leading Real Madrid by seven points, after the Los Blancos’ 2-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna earlier today.

The manager will not only be calling on his three in-form players against Celta, Simeone expects the club’s second and third-choice players to step up and perform at a high level during this mini-crisis.

“Everyone knows about Koke and Arda [Turan],” Simeone added. “They are creative, talented and are very comfortable in the team’s system. They also provide us with alternative options on the playing field, as well as what they bring off the pitch.”

“Their absence, along with the absence of Raul Garcia, makes the group come together to combat the loss of such important players, and goes hand-in-hand with what I always say: ‘To play to the best of your abilities, you don’t need a team.'”

“You need a team to win a game, but you need a squad to compete seriously. They players we have always work with the aim of taking advantage of the opportunities that come their way.”

Programming note: Celta Vigo vs. Atletico Madrid will be shown LIVE on Sunday starting at 2:55pm EST on beIN SPORTS en español and DishWorld.