Goalkeeper Oblak could be back for Atletico as club defends Champions League lead against Barcelona

MADRID: (Apr 13)  Needing to defend a two-goal lead against Barcelona to reach its first Champions League semifinal in nearly a decade, Atletico Madrid could see goalkeeper Jan Oblak make his return to the starting lineup after being sidelined for more than a month because of a muscle injury.

Atletico hosts Barcelona on Tuesday in the second leg of the quarterfinals, hoping to return to the last four in the top European club competition for the first time since 2017. It won the first match 2-0 in Barcelona last week.

Atletico coach Diego Simeone spoke on Monday and did not rule out Oblak’s return to the squad even though he hasn’t played since the team’s 5-2 win over Tottenham in the round of 16 on March 10. The goalkeeper has been practicing with the squad for the last few days and is reportedly deemed fit to start.