Lenglet Blow: Atleti Defender Out for Two Months with Knee Injury

Atlético Madrid’s Copa del Rey campaign has begun with a victory over Atlético Baleares, but the win has come at a significant cost with defender Clément Lenglet facing up to two months on the treatment table.

Injury Details

The French centre-back lasted just 10 minutes before being forced off, visibly limping and assisted by the club’s medical staff. Initial concerns have now been confirmed following comprehensive tests in Madrid, with Lenglet diagnosed with a “high-grade sprain of the medial collateral ligament without associated injuries.”

Medical assessments suggest the recovery timeline is unlikely to dip below the two-month mark, leaving Simeone’s squad stretched thin at the back during a crucial period of the season.

Impact on the Squad

This is a proper kick in the teeth for Atleti, who are already operating with limited defensive options:

• José María Giménez remains sidelined after missing the first months of the season
• Lenglet’s absence leaves David Hancko as the only naturally left-footed centre-back
• Robin Le Normand and the converted Arnau Pubill are the only other available central defenders

Lenglet’s Contribution

While not a guaranteed starter, Lenglet has proven his worth since arriving on loan from Barcelona last season. The Frenchman has racked up over 900 minutes across 12 appearances this campaign, demonstrating his importance to Simeone’s defensive rotation.

Last season, Lenglet missed just two weeks with a sprain, but this injury is significantly more serious and comes at a particularly bad time with LaLiga, Copa del Rey and Supercopa fixtures all on the horizon.

The injury leaves Simeone with a proper defensive headache as we approach the busy festive period. The gaffer will need to get his thinking cap on to navigate the next couple of months without the reliable Frenchman at his disposal.