Why is Jan Oblak not playing today for Atletico Madrid vs Tottenham in 2026 Champions League?
Atletico Madrid enter this second leg of the 2026 UEFA Champions League Round of 16 against Tottenham Hotspur holding a strong advantage, but they face a concern as Jan Oblak is unavailable due to a muscle strain and will not play today. The absence of their starting goalkeeper raises questions despite their favorable position in the tie.
Oblak was a late scratch in the LaLiga EA Sports match against Getafe on March 14. During the final training session before that game, he experienced discomfort in his side, and medical tests later confirmed a muscle strain that has kept him sidelined since then.
Atletico Madrid aim to protect the 5-2 lead they built in the first leg. Oblak, meanwhile, is still considered doubtful for the upcoming LaLiga derby against Real Madrid on Sunday.
Who replaces Oblak?
The moment has arrived for Juan Musso, 31, who has proven to be a reliable backup when called upon. Whether in Copa del Rey matches over the past two seasons or in four LaLiga appearances where he kept clean sheets, Musso now steps into a much larger role for Atletico Madrid.
However, he won’t have to deal with Richarlison, who isn’t playing for Tottenham due to yellow card accumulation.
Other key absences for Simeone
The squad list released by Diego Simeone for this Champions League clash against Tottenham at the Metropolitano includes several absences due to injury, with Oblak, Barrios, and Mendoza all unavailable. These setbacks force Atletico Madrid to adjust as they look to close out the series. Here’s Simeone’s final list:
- Goalkeepers: Juan Musso, Salvi Esquivel, Maria De Luis.
- Defenders: Jose Gimenez, Clement Lenglet, David Hancko, Marc Pubill, Le Normand, Mateo Ruggeri, Nahuel Molina, Julio Diaz.
- Midfielders: Johnny Cardoso, Koke, Alejandro Baena, Marcos Llorente, Giuliano Simeone, Thiago Almadas, Obed Vargas, Nico Gonzales.
- Forwards: Antoine Griezmann, Ademola Lookman, Alexander Sorloth, Julian Alvarez.
Atletico confirmed lineup
Atletico Madrid start with the following lineup against Tottenham: Musso, Molina, Hancko, Le Normand, Ruggeri, Cardoso, Llorente, Giovanni Simeone, Lookman, Griezmann, Alvarez.