Absences hit Atletico ahead of Liverpool clash

Atletico Madrid travel to England to face Liverpool at Anfield in the opening round of the new Champions League, amidst a number of serious absences that threaten Argentine coach Diego Simeone's options. Five key players are missing from the squad at once, including Argentine striker Julian Alvarez, who suffered a knee injury, and American Cardoso, who was withdrawn at the last minute due to recurring ankle problems. These absences are in addition to the absences of Jose Gimenez, Baena, and Almada . Despite these difficult circumstances, the squad brought positive news for Rojiblancos fans with the return of Slovakian Hanko, who remained a doubt until the last minute before Simeone decided to include him in the squad in the hope of his readiness to participate . Alvarez left the team's last match at halftime to avoid aggravating his injury, but his condition has not improved as required, while Cardoso failed to pass the fitness test despite participating in Monday's training . Atletico Madrid's delegation included 19 first-team players, in addition to three academy players: Esquivel, Taoufik Sidou, and Ryan. The delegation left the Ciudad Deportiva Majadahonda on Tuesday morning, heading to Barajas Airport, from where the plane took off for Liverpool. Simeone is scheduled to hold a press conference on Tuesday evening before the team's official training session at Anfield .