Le Normand set to return after brain injury
Robin Le Normand has not played since suffering a brain injury against Real Madrid in September, but he could return to the pitch this week.
Le Normand suffered a traumatic brain injury in a collision with Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni during a 1-1 derby draw in September, requiring lengthy treatment on the pitch.
The 28 year-old has made eight appearances for Atletico since joining from Real Sociedad this season, after winning Euro 2024 with Spain.
Los Colchoneros insisted they would be patient with Le Normand's recovery, and having spent over two months on the sidelines, he is now set for a return to action.
"First of all, we were thinking about the health of the player. That's what the club, doctors, and physios focused on as a first step," manager Diego Simeone said.
"Then comes the player, who started to get in shape and is now ready to start competing from tomorrow. Seeing the enthusiasm that he transmits, he is very happy and eager to help the team."
Atleti is on a seven-match winning streak ahead of Friday's second-round game, but Simeone is not getting ahead of himself as his side looks to maintain its form.
"We have things to improve, the team grows from a block and I always call that block a team, neither offensive nor defensive," Simeone said.
"From there, we need that consistency, which is the most difficult thing to maintain during the season."
Simeone could shuffle his pack for the game, and though he is excited to see some of his fringe players, he has warned them to expect a difficult challenge.
"We have the motto, 'wearing the Atletico shirt in every game is a great opportunity'. Many would like to be in our place and we need to have this embedded within," Simeone said.
"From there we will make a team to try to hurt a Cacereno team that does very well at home and that will compete as it did against (Real) Madrid (in a 1-0 Copa del Rey loss last January)."
