Rival Watch: Atletico star returns to training ahead of Barcelona clash; key duo out

Rival Watch: Atletico star returns to training ahead of Barcelona clash; key duo out Barcelona face one of their toughest challenges so far this season when they travel to the Metropolitano to take on Atletico Madrid on Sunday. With both teams competing for a top spot in the La Liga table, a lot will be at stake ahead of the November international break. Barcelona have already been dealt a blow, with Rodri joining Hansi Flick’s growing injury list . Injuries to key players in defence have also complicated the German manager’s plans, but one small boost is that Eric Garcia looks set to recover in time for the clash. Meanwhile, all eyes will be on Atletico’s preparations and which players are unavailable ahead of the game. Johnny Cardoso returns at the right time for Atletico According to Diario SPORT , Diego Simeone has received a significant boost ahead of the contest, with Johnny Cardoso returning to group training. The American midfielder has recovered from a muscle injury and received medical clearance, putting him in contention to face Barcelona this weekend. Both Eric and Cardoso are expected to be available for the Atletico – Barcelona clash. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images) Cardoso had been sidelined since suffering a thigh injury against Stuttgart in the Champions League. He has subsequently missed Atletico’s games against Deportivo La Coruna, Levante and Bayern Munich. Before the setback, Diego Simeone had shown a lot of faith in the American and made him a mainstay in his midfield. His return provides the manager with another option in midfield against Barcelona, where keeping the ball will be difficult. Cristian Romero and Koke ruled out against Barcelona Unfortunately for Atletico, though, not all is good news on the injury front, with both Cristian Romero and captain Koke set to miss out on the Barcelona clash . For Barcelona, the absence of the Argentine World Cup winner is a big boost, considering how good he can be at shutting down attacks. Romero had returned to the squad against Levante without featuring, but suffered a setback and subsequently missed the Champions League encounter against Bayern. Cristian Romero will not be available against Barcelona. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) Koke, meanwhile, has always been the wily old fox who can control the midfield and come up with something special in big games. While Hansi Flick will be more focused on his team’s preparations, not having to worry about two opposition stars is a boost for Barcelona. It is a game the Catalan club will desperately want to win to extend their lead at the top and finish this period of club football on a high. It remains to be seen how Barcelona fare against Atletico and whether they can go to the Metropolitano and take all three points from the hosts.