Koke (personal) will miss Saturday's La Liga clash against Espanyol after coach Diego Simeone confirmed his absence during Friday's press conference, per Diario AS.
Analysis:Koke remains unavailable for Atletico Madrid after taking time away from the squad following a family bereavement. The veteran midfielder missed Tuesday's Champions League encounter against Manchester United and has since resumed individual training, although he will not be part of Saturday's squad against Espanyol. His absence, combined with Johnny Cardoso's unavailability due to illness, leaves coach Simeone with fewer options in central midfield. Morten Hjulmand and Pablo Barrios are the leading candidates to feature, while Marcos Llorente could also move into a central role.
