Atlético Madrid has been hit by an unpleasant piece of news. French defender Robin Le Normand injured his left knee during the Champions League match against Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise and, according to medical results, will be sidelined for several weeks. The injury occurred after a collision with Adem Zorgane when the player awkwardly planted his leg and had to be substituted in the first half.
Coach Diego Simeone stated after the match that the situation did not appear dramatic, but the club preferred not to take any risks. Subsequent examinations confirmed damage to the posterior part of the joint capsule, fortunately without affecting the ligaments or meniscus. This means that the worst-case scenario was avoided.
According to Spanish media, Le Normand will be out for at least six weeks, with his return expected no earlier than January 2026. The defender will therefore miss key matches against Inter Milan and Barcelona. Inside Atlético’s locker room, there is relief, as the initial fear was a more serious injury that could have jeopardized his participation in the World Cup.
The loss of one of the defensive pillars represents a major complication for Simeone. Le Normand was among the most utilized players of the season and had significantly stabilized the team’s defense with his performances. His absence may now lead to overloading other central defenders, particularly Josema Giménez.
The Argentine coach will need to find new defensive combinations. One option is to switch to a system with three center-backs or to use versatile players such as Marcos Llorente or Nahuel Molina in the role of right center-back. Given Atlético’s demanding schedule, proper squad rotation will be crucial to maintaining pace in both domestic and European competitions.
Despite the setback, Atlético looks ahead with optimism. The club believes that the experienced defender will complete his rehabilitation without complications and return after the winter break even stronger than before.
