Kieran Trippier looks set to miss Atletico Madrid’s Champions League clash with Liverpool later this month.
As reported by the Evening Standard, the La Liga side have confirmed that the right-back has undergone groin surgery, having felt discomfort in that area for a number of weeks.
Liverpool head to the Wanda Metropolitano on February 18th – the venue of last season’s Champions League final triumph – for the first leg of their last-16 tie.
It means Trippier is effectively out of that game – whether or not he is fit for the return fixture at Anfield on March 11th remains to be seen.
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This is another blow for Atletico, in my opinion, adding to the likely absences of Alvaro Morata and Joao Felix.
Trippier has been a solid performer since joining from Tottenham last summer, providing three assists in 16 La Liga appearances. Defensively he has also been resolute, averaging 2.4 tackles, 1.8 clearances and 1.2 interceptions per game, according to WhoScored.
Sadio Mane should be back from injury by the time the first leg arrives and I think he could flourish without Atletico’s first-choice right-back available.
Sime Vrsaljko could come into the side, but he has featured just twice in La Liga all season, and may therefore lack match practice.
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