Atletico Madrid starter ruled out of Arsenal semi-final through injury

Atletico Madrid starter Pablo Barrios has been ruled out of both legs of the Champions League semi-final against Arsenal with a hamstring injury.

Pablo Barrios of Atletico de Madrid reacts after suffering an injury and subsequently being substituted off during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Atletico de Madrid and Athletic Club at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on April 25, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) — Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Marca report that Atletico Madrid’s Pablo Barrios has now had a hamstring injury confirmed, with the setback expected to rule him out for both legs of the Champions League semi-finals against Arsenal.

Barrios could even be out for the remainder of the season, but he’s set to miss at least a month of football, making a return for Atletico’s final league game against Villarreal on May 24th far from guaranteed.

Marca suggest that even a comeback in a potential Champions League final would be uncertain, but it’s clear he won’t be back for the two Arsenal matches over the next week.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Diego Simeone, Head Coach of Atletico de Madrid speaks to the media during a press conference at Arsenal Stadium on October 20, 2025. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images) — Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images

Marca suggest that Barrios had been one of Atletico’s best players when fit this season, but that hasn’t been nearly as often as he would have wanted.

The midfielder had just returned from two months on the sidelines last Wednesday, after being a starter for Atletico throughout the first half of the season. The plan was presumably to get him ready to face Arsenal with a start at the weekend, but that certainly backfired.

The good news for Atletico is that Alexander Sorloth returned from his own injury against Athletic Club, but Ademola Lookman remains a doubt for the Arsenal match at this stage.

Ademola Lookman of Atletico de Madrid looks on during the Copa Del Rey Final match between Real Sociedad and Atletico de Madrid at Estadio de La Cartuja on April 18, 2026 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) — Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images

Lookman’s involvement is perhaps key, as he’s the one starter Atletico didn’t yet have when they lost 4-0 to Arsenal earlier in the season. Whether he’ll be available and able to inspire an Atletico win this time remains to be seen.

William Saliba hits back at Arsenal’s critics
William Saliba has hit back at Arsenal’s critics in recent seasons, claiming the Gunners have shut them up by winning the Premier League title.
Arsenal youngster shares farewell message after being released
Arsenal academy goalkeeper Alexei Rojas has sent a farewell to the club, following the announcement that he’ll be released this summer.
Sporting director confirms Arsenal loan won’t be extended
Lucas Nygaard’s time with Brabrand IF is at an end, with the club’s sporting director confirming his initial loan spell won’t be extended.
Arsenal players link up with England ahead of final pre-World Cup friendly
Arsenal’s England internationals have finally linked up with Thomas Tuchel’s squad, with a tight turnaround now for the country’s final pre-World Cup friendly.
Another Arsenal forward scores in pre-World Cup friendly
Leandro Trossard helped Belgium to extend their unbeaten run by scoring the opening goal in their friendly win over Tunisia on Saturday, their final pre-World Cup fixture.