Atletico Madrid Likely to Miss Seven Key Players Ahead of Tough Champions League Clash vs Man United

• Diego Simeone may have to rethink on how to line up his charges when Atletico Madrid face Man United in the Champions League
• The defending La Liga champions are likely to miss the services of several players for the United visit including captain Koke
• Koke is understood to have picked an injury during Atletico's weekend win over Osasuna in the La Liga
• Other players believed to be major doubts for the Man United clash include winger Thomas Lemar and Griezmann

Diego Simeone is facing a major crisis as his Atletico Madrid side prepare to take on Man United in the Champions League.

United are scheduled to travel to Spain for the first leg of the round of 16 fixture slated for Wednesday, February 23.

According to reports, Simeone is likely to miss as many as seven key players for the encounter, including skipper Koke.

Koke played the entire 90 minutes of his side's 3-0 win over Osasuna in the La Liga but Marca claims he picked up an injury in the game and did not train with the rest of the squad on Monday.

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The development means the Spaniard, who has started all six of Atletico's Champions League group matches this season is a major doubt for the United encounter.

His absence will no doubt be a major blow for Simeone who already has a number of players likely to miss the crucial tie.

Who else could miss the Man United fixture?

In addition to the possible absence of Koke, summer signing Matheus Cunha and right-back Daniel Wass are also both sidelined.

Metro UK claims winger Thomas Lemar is also a big doubt, with the duo of Yannick Carrasco and centre-back Felipe already out with suspension.

It is understood Antoine Griezmann is also likely not to feature against the Red Devils despite recently returning from a thigh injury.

Meanwhile, the United clash comes at a time the defending LaLiga champions are suffering a nightmare season.

Simeone's charges are currently languishing fifth on the table, 15 points behind city rivals, Real Madrid.