Barcelona at Atletico Madrid team news: Rodri, Eric Garcia, Jules Kounde and Morten Hjulmand, Digi Mart USA News (Madrid, Spain): The biggest match of the football weekend takes place in the Spanish capital, where second-place Atletico Madrid host top-of-the-table FC Barcelona. Barcelona would move into a new first place if they fall on Sunday, so the stakes are clear without further preview.
Kickoff is Sunday at 9 p.m. at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid.
Atletico Madrid are second with 28 points, while Barcelona lead the table with 30 points. Atletico’s recent form is five straight wins, while Barcelona have won four of their last five league matches.
Rodri has been ruled out after suffering a hamstring injury in the midweek 3-0 win over Aston Villa. The official club statement said tests confirmed a minor injury to his right hamstring, and that his exact recovery time will depend on how the injury develops.
Because of the injury, he will also miss the international window with Spain.
Elsewhere for Barcelona, Andreas Christensen (thigh), Eric Garcia (thigh) and Jules Kounde (ankle) are all doubtful. They will need to pass late fitness tests on matchday to be included in the squad.
Xavi Espart (ankle), Dani Olmo (adductor) and Roony Bardghji (knee) are long-term absentees and will miss the match.
On the Atletico side, Morten Hjulmand returns from injury and is back in the squad. Johnny Cardoso (thigh) and Cristian Romero (muscular injury) remain sidelined as longer-term absentees.
