La Liga giants Atlético Madrid have this week been dealt a potentially significant blow on the personnel front. This comes amid confirmation of Pablo Barrios being set for an incoming spell on the sidelines.

Midfielder Barrios for his part featured from the off in midweek, as Diego Simeone’s Atlético made the trip to Anfield for the club’s Champions League season opener.

En route to an eventual 2-1 defeat, though, the 23-year-old picked up a fresh fitness problem. Barrios, in turn, was put through a round of medical tests back in Spain’s capital over the last 24 hours.

And as confirmed in a statement posted across Atléti’s official social media platforms on Saturday:

‘Pablo Barrios will not be available for San Sebastián (to face Real Sociedad on Sunday).

‘The midfielder ended the match against Liverpool with discomfort, and after the tests carried out by the club’s medical services, it has been confirmed that he is suffering from a low-grade myofascial injury in his right leg.’

Just a week out from a showdown with arch rivals Real Madrid, Barrios is also considered a major doubt to play his part against José Mourinho’s Blancos.