Matteo Ruggeri
ATMSeven crosses Saturday
Ruggeri registered one shot (zero on goal), seven crosses (two accurate) and three chances created in Saturday's 1-0 loss to Celta Vigo.
Analysis: Ruggeri recorded seven crosses in Saturday's loss, tied for his second most in a match this season. He also created a team-high three chances, providing nice service to his teammates throughout the match. The left back has three assists in La Liga this season -- all of which have come in his last six appearances -- and he'll look to add to that tally Tuesday at Osasuna.
Trains Friday, could return
Ruggeri (undisclosed) was spotted training Friday and could be an option for Saturday's clash against Athletic Club, according to Ainhoa Sanchez of Radio Marca.
Analysis: Ruggeri had been unable to train on the pitch earlier in the week and missed Wednesday's fixture against Elche as a result, making his return to the training ground a positive development heading into the weekend. The left-back should push to regain his starting role if he comes through Friday's session without any issues, with Julio Diaz having stepped in to cover against the Franjiverdes. Atletico will make a final call on his involvement ahead of Saturday's kickoff.
Clears doubt, available Wednesday
Ruggeri (undisclosed) was not mentioned in the injury report during the press conference and is therefore available for Wednesday's clash against Elche, according to coach Diego Simeone.
Analysis: Ruggeri had been a doubt after being spotted working in the gym Tuesday, but his absence from the injury report is a clean bill of health heading into the midweek fixture. The left-back should slot back into his starting role in the upcoming fixtures, although Julio Diaz can also see some increased playing time if coach Diego Simeone wants to rest his left-back.
Working in gym, doubtful Wednesday
Ruggeri (undisclosed) was working in the gym Tuesday and is a doubt for Wednesday's clash against Elche, according to Pascual Ruiz Arnal of Marca.
Analysis: Ruggeri's absence from the training pitch heading into the midweek fixture is a concern for Atletico with no details provided on the nature of the issue. If he cannot be cleared in time, Julio Diaz could be handed only his second La Liga start of his career against the Franjiverdes, with coach Diego Simeone needing to find a solution at left-back for a fixture that remains important in the final stretch of the La Liga season although the focus is clearly on the Champions League semifinals against Arsenal starting next week.
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