Cuti, another step closer to his return

Romero trained with the group for a second consecutive day; Simeone must decide whether to use him against Levante or rest him for Bayern and Barcelona next week.

Atlético Madrid defender Cuti Romero continued his recovery from injury, training with the full squad for the second day running at the Metropolitano. The Argentine centre-back exercised normally, with the club taking a progressive approach to his return, gradually increasing training intensity.

Romero appears close to match fitness ahead of Saturday's La Liga fixture against Levante (14:00). Manager Diego Simeone faces a decision on whether to deploy the defender in that game or preserve him for the bigger Champions League clashes against Bayern Munich and Barcelona the following week. Koke and Cardoso also trained separately but are expected to be available soon, likely targeting the Bayern and Barcelona matches.