Koke Knocked Out! Red and White Challenge on the Horizon
Bad news for the Red and White fans. Koke, our captain, will miss the crucial match at Mestalla after suffering a muscle injury during the match against Celta.
The absence of the ‘6’, who had entered the field after Barrios’ expulsion, represents a major setback for Simeone, especially now that a demanding schedule is looming with the Cup semifinals and the Champions League round of 16 just around the corner.
Barrios’ expulsion and Koke’s injury leave Cholo without his two usual midfielders. In this situation, Gallagher and Llorente are emerging as the main alternatives to accompany De Paul in midfield against a Valencia on the rise.
Despite having lost prominence in the starting eleven this season, Koke remains a key player for the Argentine coach, providing character, experience and quality in the ball output. In a season where injuries had respected the team, Koke’s absence opens a debate about who should occupy that position on the field.
Both Koke and Barrios have adapted to the pivot position, despite being players with a more offensive vocation. The club explored the market in search of a more physical profile for that demarcation, but finally no signing was made.
Now, Simeone will have to look for alternative solutions to face the match against Valencia without his two youth players. Given the situation, Javi Serrano, a player from the youth team, could have his opportunity after having already debuted with the first team.
