Injured Joao Felix to miss Madrid derby
Football
By
AFP
| Jan 29, 2020
Atletico Madrid said on Wednesday that Joao Felix has sustained a muscle injury, meaning the striker is likely to miss Saturday's city derby against Real Madrid.
Felix's absence could persuade Atletico to accelerate their pursuit of Edinson Cavani, who is keen to leave Paris Saint-Germain this month if the clubs can agree a fee.
Atletico confirmed in a statement that Felix was injured during last weekend's goalless draw with Leganes in La Liga.
"Joao Felix suffered a muscular injury in his right leg during the match against Leganes," the statement read.
"With the persistence of discomfort after a day of rest, the medical services have performed tests that detected the injury. His return will depend on his recovery."
READ MORE
Ngugi wa Thiong'o and the African literary revolution
Tanzania doctor describes bodies taken from morgue as fresh protests loom
Kenya submits bid to host 2029, 2031 World Athletics Championships
Confusion over hardship allowance as teachers left in limbo
Why debt cancellation is Africa's last hope for climate justice
Kenya secures historic win to host global forestry congress
TSC to pay terminal benefits to teachers exiting service
COP30: Fund climate communication to the grassroots
Felix left Benfica for 126 million euros last summer but has only shown glimpses of his talent this season in an underperforming Atletico team.
The 20-year-old has scored four goals in 24 appearances.
His injury means Diego Simeone is likely to start with Alvaro Morata and Angel Correa up front against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, where Atletico will be looking for their first win in five games.
A poor run has seen them lose on penalties to Real in the Spanish Super Cup final and crash out of the Copa del Rey to third tier Cultural Leonesa.
They have also slipped to fifth in La Liga, 10 points adrift of leaders Real.