Cuti Romero out for 10 days: Atlético de Madrid defender to miss Stuttgart and Deportivo

Atlético de Madrid head to their European meeting with Stuttgart without a key piece at the heart of their back line. Cristian 'Cuti' Romero will not travel to Germany after medical tests on Sunday confirmed a low-grade adductor injury. The Argentine centre-back is expected to spend around ten days on the sidelines, a significant setback for Diego Simeone in the middle of a winning run.

• Cuti Romero has suffered a low-grade adductor injury after the game against Espanyol.
• His recovery is estimated at around ten days.
• He will miss the Champions League match against Stuttgart and the LaLiga game versus Deportivo de La Coruña.
• He could return against Levante and be ready for Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona.
• Johnny Cardoso trained in the gym due to illness and Koke remains out with a muscular injury.

What injury does Cuti Romero have and how long is he out for?

The Argentina international finished the match against Espanyol with discomfort in the adductor area. Tests carried out on Sunday clarified the situation: a low-grade injury, no serious tear, but with a recovery period of around ten days. It is the first major physical alarm for a player who has become the commanding figure of Atlético's defence since his arrival.

The injury comes during a demanding stretch of the fixture list. Atlético are on a run of six straight wins, five of them in LaLiga, and do not want to lose momentum. However, they will have to continue without their most decisive centre-back for two matches that could shape their week.

Which matches will the Argentine defender miss?

Romero is ruled out for the third round of the Champions League league phase away to Stuttgart. The defender has not travelled with the squad and will also be unavailable for next weekend's LaLiga clash against Deportivo de La Coruña at the Metropolitano.

The absence forces Simeone to rebuild his centre-back pairing. The Argentine coach loses the player who has brought the most authority to his defence and who had been playing almost every minute. His place is set to be covered by the central defenders waiting for opportunities in the squad.

Atlético's defence without its leader and the Champions League test in Stuttgart

Atlético arrive in Stuttgart with three points from a possible six in the first two rounds of the new European format. A win looks important to avoid complicating qualification and to build confidence ahead of the biggest matches waiting before the international break. The team will train at the stadium on Monday afternoon to finalise preparations.

Romero's absence adds uncertainty to a back line that already knows what it means to perform without its reference point. The Madrid side, who had been showing solidity during their winning streak, must now prove the defence can keep its level even when the Argentine is not on the pitch.

Atlético's treatment room: Cardoso and Koke also doubtful

The injury news does not stop with Romero. Johnny Cardoso did not train with the rest of the group and worked in the gym due to illness. Meanwhile, Koke Resurrección remains unavailable because of a muscular injury that keeps him out of Simeone's plans.

When could Cuti Romero return for Atlético de Madrid?

If the expected timeframe is met without setbacks, the centre-back would be in a position to return in the eleventh round of LaLiga, when Atlético visit Levante. That comeback would allow him to build rhythm before two decisive fixtures ahead of the break: the home Champions League match against Bayern Munich and the LaLiga game against FC Barcelona.

Caution will guide his recovery. With this type of muscle injury, the margin for error is narrow and the coaching staff will not want to take risks with a key piece for the rest of the season.

Frequently asked questions about Cuti Romero's injury