Atletico Madrid’s Alex Baena is sidelined with a low-grade muscle injury, expected to miss two LaLiga matches. The midfielder, signed from Villarreal, debuted against Espanyol, showcasing his creativity and passing accuracy. His return is tentatively set for a match against his former club, Villarreal, pending his recovery progress. Simeone’s side will need to adapt in his absence, relying on other players to step up in the attacking third.
Atletico Madrid's promising summer signing, Alex Baena, is set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering a low-grade muscle injury. The news comes as a blow to Diego Simeone's side, who are looking to build momentum early in the LaLiga season.
Baena, who made the switch to the Wanda Metropolitano from Villarreal last month for a reported €50 million, is expected to be out of action for approximately two weeks. The 23-year-old midfielder's arrival was highly anticipated, and he wasted no time in making his mark on the team. His debut came in Sunday's encounter against Espanyol, a match that ultimately ended in a disappointing 2-1 defeat for Atletico.
Despite the loss, Baena's individual performance offered a glimpse of what he could bring to Simeone's tactical setup. Playing for 68 minutes before being replaced by Antoine Griezmann, Baena showcased his creativity and attacking intent. Notably, he created more chances (four) than any other Atletico player during his time on the pitch, demonstrating his ability to unlock opposition defenses.
Furthermore, Baena's passing accuracy in the final third was also a standout statistic. With a completion rate of 92.9%, he ranked second only to Matteo Ruggeri (93.9%) in this metric, highlighting his composure and precision in crucial areas of the field. These statistics underscore the potential impact Baena can have on Atletico's attacking play once he returns to full fitness.
The club confirmed the injury in an official statement, stating: "Alex Baena has suffered a low-grade muscle injury. The red-and-white number 10 will undergo physiotherapy sessions and gym-based recovery work, and the progress of his injury will determine his return to competition."
Alex Baena has suffered a low-grade muscle injury.
The red-and-white number 10 will undergo physiotherapy sessions and gym-based recovery work, and the progress of his injury will determine his return to competition. pic.twitter.com/DVmfSw5DU6
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) August 20, 2025
The injury is expected to keep Baena out of Atletico's next two LaLiga fixtures. He will miss the match against Elche this weekend and the clash with Alaves on August 30. These games present opportunities for other players in the squad to step up and stake their claim for a regular starting spot.
Looking ahead, Baena could potentially make his return to the Atletico squad on September 14, when they face his former club, Villarreal. This fixture would provide a fitting occasion for his comeback, allowing him to showcase his talents against familiar opponents. However, the exact timeline for his return will depend on his progress during the rehabilitation process.
Simeone will be eager to welcome Baena back into the fold as soon as possible. The midfielder's creativity, passing ability, and work rate make him a valuable asset to the team. His presence in the squad will provide Atletico with an added dimension in attack and increase their chances of achieving their goals this season.
Atletico Madrid will need to find ways to cope with Baena's absence in the short term. The likes of Antoine Griezmann, Joao Felix, and Thomas Lemar will need to shoulder more responsibility in the attacking third. Simeone may also consider tweaking his tactical approach to compensate for the loss of Baena's specific skillset.
The injury to Alex Baena serves as a reminder of the challenges that football clubs face throughout a long and demanding season. Injuries are an inevitable part of the game, and teams must have the depth and resilience to overcome such setbacks. Atletico Madrid will be hoping that Baena's recovery goes smoothly and that he can return to action as soon as possible.
In the meantime, the focus will be on the players who are available to step up and deliver. Atletico Madrid have a talented squad with plenty of experience, and they will be determined to maintain their momentum despite the absence of one of their key players. The upcoming matches against Elche and Alaves will provide valuable opportunities for the team to demonstrate their strength and depth.
The Atletico Madrid medical team will be closely monitoring Baena's progress, providing him with the best possible care and support. They will work closely with the player to ensure that he makes a full and complete recovery, minimizing the risk of any further setbacks. The ultimate goal is to get Baena back on the pitch as soon as he is ready, allowing him to contribute to the team's success.