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Rival watch: Barcelona handed potential boost as key Atletico Madrid defender doubtful for Sunday’s clash

Barcelona recently triumphed over Aston Villa with a three-goal margin, fueled by a pair of goals from Raphinha alongside a successful shot by Lamine Yamal at their home pitch. Hansi Flick's squad now prepares for an upcoming away fixture in La Liga against Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano.

Ahead of this weekend contest, the visiting club received an encouraging update concerning the physical condition of an opposing central defender.

Cristian Romero missed his team's recent European fixture against Bayern Munich due to a muscular problem and remains doubtful to participate against Barcelona. The Argentine center-back had previously sat out consecutive matches before briefly returning as an unused substitute against Levante, but lingering fitness issues sidelined him once more.

Diego Simeone previously left the defender out of the squad to encourage recovery, leaving David Hancko and Robin le Normand as the likely central defensive pairing for the upcoming league match.

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