The defensive crisis at Atlético Madrid has deepened following tonight’s Copa del Rey clash. The club has officially confirmed that Clément Lenglet suffered an "indirect trauma (torsion) of the right knee" during the opening minutes of their match against Atlético Baleares.
The injury occurred less than 10 minutes into the game on Wednesday, December 17, forcing Diego Simeone to make an early substitution, bringing on David Hancko to stabilize the backline.
The Medical Update
In an official statement released shortly after the player left the pitch, Atlético Madrid's medical team clarified the initial findings:
"Clément Lenglet had to be substituted after suffering an indirect trauma (torsion) of the right knee. The player remains pending further tests to establish a definitive diagnosis."
A Frustrating Return
This injury is a particularly bitter pill for Lenglet, who has struggled to maintain consistent fitness this season:
Recent Return: The Frenchman had only just been cleared to play after missing Tuesday’s Champions League clash against PSV Eindhoven due to a muscle strain sustained during the loss to Athletic Club last Saturday.
Immediate Impact: Lenglet, who signed a permanent three-year deal with Atleti this past June, had recently worked his way back into the starting XI following injuries to Robin Le Normand and César Azpilicueta.
Simeone’s Defensive Headache
With the winter break approaching, Simeone is now facing a depleted defensive unit. The injury list currently includes:
Clément Lenglet: Right knee (Torsion)
José María Giménez: Muscle injury
Baena: Out long-term
This leaves David Hancko, Le Normand (who is only recently back from a head injury), and the versatile Marc Pubill as the only fit options for the heart of the defense heading into the final league game of the year against Girona this Sunday.
Expected Recovery Time
While "torsion" or a twist can range from a minor sprain to significant ligament damage, early reports from Spanish outlets like AS and Marca suggest the club is "extremely concerned" about the way the knee buckled. If tests reveal ligament involvement, Lenglet could face months on the sidelines, potentially forcing Atlético into the January transfer market for a center-back.