The Riyadh Air Metropolitano is buzzing with one question ahead of the massive Champions League clash against Barcelona: Is Jan Oblak ready to reclaim his throne?
After missing the last six matches with a muscle injury, the Slovenian giant is finally back in full training. But while his return is the news every Atlético fan has been waiting for, Juan Musso’s recent run has turned a straightforward decision into a genuine selection headache for Diego Simeone.
The Case for Oblak: Experience Over Everything
It’s Jan Oblak. For nearly a decade, he hasn’t just been Atlético’s number one; he’s been their insurance policy. Before his injury against Tottenham in March, he was an undisputed starter.
The argument for starting him is simple: you don’t leave your best player on the bench for a Champions League quarter-final second leg—especially with a 2-0 lead to protect. Simeone hinted on Monday that Oblak is fit, but as always, Cholo is keeping his cards close to his chest. If Oblak starts, it’s a massive psychological boost for a defense that has looked a bit shaky without him.
The Musso Dilemma: Form vs. Hierarchy
Juan Musso hasn’t just been a “backup.” Until last weekend, the Argentine was playing out of his skin, racking up 29 saves in his six-game stint. However, Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Sevilla was a reality check. Musso failed to record a single save for the first time this season, looking a bit vulnerable as Atleti dropped points in La Liga.
Despite that blip, Musso has match rhythm. Oblak hasn’t played a competitive minute in over a month. Throwing a cold goalkeeper into the fire against a Barcelona attack featuring Lewandowski and Marcus Rashford is a high-risk gamble.
The Simeone Factor
Simeone is a manager who rewards “rhythm” but respects “hierarchy.”
“I still haven’t given the lineup to the players. I usually give it to them at the hotel around seven in the evening,” Simeone told reporters.
Reports from the training ground suggest Oblak looks sharp, but Simeone might be tempted to wait until Saturday’s Copa del Rey final to give him the full 90 minutes. However, with Barcelona smelling blood and looking for a comeback, the temptation to restore the world-class Slovenian might be too high to resist.
