Cardoso set for Barcelona match

Cardoso returns to training after a low-grade thigh injury and is available for Sunday's Barcelona match; Koke also back after five games out.

Atlético Madrid received positive injury news in training as Johnny Cardoso returned to full participation after a low-grade muscular injury to his thigh suffered in the Champions League match against Stuttgart. The American midfielder will be available for Sunday's clash against Barcelona at the Metropolitano.

Cardoso had only recently returned from gastroenteritis when he picked up the thigh problem in Germany, forcing him to miss the subsequent three matches against Deportivo, Levante and Bayern Munich. His availability is a significant boost for Atlético, as the midfielder has been in excellent form this season and is key to the team's best performances.

Captain Koke also trained normally after returning from a five-game absence due to injury, though Cuti Romero's adductor problem has worsened and he is ruled out of the Barcelona fixture. Romero's availability for the post-international break match against Getafe will depend on his recovery.