Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone has confirmed that the club will not rush defender Robin Le Normand back into action following a traumatic brain injury sustained during a match against Real Madrid. The 27-year-old player collided with Aurélien Tchouaméni late in the game on September 29, requiring immediate medical attention on the pitch. As the team prepares for their upcoming match against Real Betis, Simeone emphasized the importance of Le Normand's health over a specific timeline for his return.
Key Takeaways
- Diego Simeone states there is no clear timeline for Le Normand's return.
- Le Normand suffered a traumatic brain injury with subdural hematoma.
- Atlético Madrid has struggled defensively in Le Normand's absence.
- The team is currently third in LaLiga, four points behind Real Madrid.
Le Normand's Injury Details
Le Normand's injury has raised concerns among fans and the club alike. The defender, who joined Atlético from Real Sociedad after winning the Euros with Spain, had made eight appearances before the injury. The club confirmed that he suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) with subdural hematoma, a serious condition that requires careful management.
Simeone remarked, "We still don’t have a clear idea about his return. The important thing is that he comes back well. That’s the only thing we care about." This statement underscores the club's commitment to player safety, especially in light of the increasing awareness surrounding head injuries in sports.
Team Performance Without Le Normand
Since Le Normand's injury, Atlético Madrid has played four matches across all competitions, with mixed results:
- Losses: 2
- Wins: 1
- Draws: 1
- Goals Conceded: 9
The team's defensive struggles have been evident, particularly following a 4-0 loss to Benfica and a 3-1 defeat at home to Lille in the Champions League. Simeone acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, "Both defense and offense prowess make you better... but the reality is decisiveness in the areas, and the team that is better in those situations will always be the one closer to winning."
Upcoming Match Against Real Betis
As Atlético Madrid prepares to face Real Betis, who currently sit seventh in LaLiga, the team is looking to bounce back from recent setbacks. Betis has been strong at home, losing only once in five matches this season. Simeone noted, "We have a difficult, tough match against a Betis side that plays better each time."
Conclusion
The focus remains on Robin Le Normand's recovery as Atlético Madrid navigates a challenging period without one of their key defenders. With the team currently third in LaLiga, the pressure is on to improve their performance while ensuring that player health remains the top priority. Simeone's commitment to Le Normand's well-being reflects a broader trend in sports towards prioritizing athlete safety, particularly in cases of head injuries.
Sources
- Atlético Madrid won't rush Le Normand's head injury - Simeone - ESPN, ESPN.
- Soccer-No timeline for Le Normand's return from brain injury, says Atletico coach Simeone – ThePrint – ReutersFeed, ThePrint.
- Real Betis Vs Atletico Madrid: No Timeline For Le Normand's Return From Head Injury, Says Simeone, Outlook India.
