Atlético Madrid have left Cristian Romero and Koke out of their squad for Tuesday’s Champions League match at VfB Stuttgart, with Romero’s adductor strain the immediate defensive concern. Johnny Cardoso returns after missing the win over Espanyol with gastroenteritis, according to Intothecalderon’s report on the squad announcement.

Romero is expected to miss the trip to Germany and next weekend’s home match against Deportivo A Coruña. Koke is also unavailable, leaving Diego Simeone without two established players as Atlético prepare for their first meeting with Stuttgart.

Romero’s injury and Koke’s absence leave Simeone short

Romero asked to come off during Atlético’s 1-0 victory at Espanyol on Saturday, 17 October. Tests subsequently found a small adductor strain, ruling the Argentina international out of the Stuttgart game and the Deportivo fixture.

The defender has become an important part of Simeone’s side since joining Atlético. His recent contribution included a late winner against Alavés, while his place in the team has made this absence a notable change to the coach’s defensive options.

Koke is recovering from a left hamstring strain that kept him out against Espanyol. He was also grieving the death of his mother, who died on Tuesday, 13 October; his return timetable has not been set.

Cardoso’s return follows his absence from the Espanyol match because of gastroenteritis. The midfielder trained in the gym on Sunday, 18 October, and was named in the travelling group.

Atlético take a winning run to Stuttgart

Atlético head to Germany on a six-match winning streak. Simeone’s side have lost eight of their 10 games in Germany, with their most recent victory there coming against Bayer Leverkusen in 2017.

Stuttgart have taken six points from their first two Champions League league-phase matches. They have not beaten a Spanish team in European competition, drawing three and losing five of their eight meetings.

Romero’s absence also comes after a strong run of form for the defender, whose late strike against Alavés was a recent highlight for Atlético. The squad will face Stuttgart on Tuesday, 20 October, before returning to Madrid for the Deportivo A Coruña match next weekend.