Atletico Madrid have a key defender back from injury ahead of Inter's Champions League clash

Atletico Madrid might not be preparing for their return to action in Europe in excellent form, but they are getting one of their key defenders back. First there is the matter of a tricky match with Las Palmas on Saturday, and Diego Simeone must decide whether Jose Maria Gimenez will get minutes or not.

Ace for AS DiaryGimenez will be back for the Inter meeting after normal training this week – he missed two weeks of action. Gabriel Paulista could be missed against Las Palmas and possibly Inter, but Simeone should be able to call on Gimenez, Axel Witsel and Mario Hermoso, who have been the first choice back three this season. Cesar Azpilicueta is also injured, although Reinildo Mandava will also hope for minutes against Inter.

In general, Atletico Madrid have been questionable at the back this season, but their front pairing of Alvaro Morata and Antoine Griezmann have supported their form up front. With the former injured and the latter looking tired, Simeone will be hoping for a more robust defensive effort next week at the Giuseppe Meazza.