Barrios MIA as Atleti kick off 2026 with Sorloth returning to potential XI
Simeone's first training session of 2026 saw Pablo Barrios absent through illness, while Sorloth returned from paternity leave, potentially pushing Griezmann to the bench.
No rest for the wicked as Atlético Madrid wasted no time getting back to business after New Year’s Eve celebrations, though young midfielder Pablo Barrios was notably absent from the year’s first training session.
Missing in action
Barrios missed the session due to illness, joining the already sidelined Clément Lenglet and Nico Williams who continue their recovery from injuries. That’s three headaches for Cholo Simeone, though the gaffer did receive a boost with Alexander Sorloth’s return to training.
The Norwegian striker, who’d been away for two days at the tail end of 2025 after becoming a father, slotted straight back into what appears to be Simeone’s preferred XI for the upcoming clash against Real Sociedad. Conor Gallagher stepped into Barrios’ shoes in the midfield during the session.
Potential lineup taking shape
Simeone split his squad into two distinct groups from the warm-up, offering strong hints about his thinking for Sunday’s match. The potential starting XI shaped up with:
- A back four of Llorente, Pubill, Le Normand and Hancko
- Koke partnering Gallagher in central midfield
- Giuliano and Baena operating on the flanks
- Julián Álvarez and Sorloth forming a strike partnership
Griezmann on the outside looking in?
The most eye-catching development from the session was Antoine Griezmann’s apparent demotion from the starting lineup. With Sorloth returning directly into the first-team fold, it was the French star who found himself training with the second group.
This reserve unit included other first-team players alongside youngsters Julio Díaz and Jano Monserrate from Atlético Madrid B, as preparations intensify for Sunday’s fixture against Real Sociedad at the Metropolitano.
The session at Majadahonda training complex marks the beginning of what promises to be a crucial month for the Rojiblancos. Bit early for Cholo to be dropping Griezmann, innit? We’ll see if this team selection holds when Sunday rolls around.