Álex Baena is out for Atlético de Madrid after suffering from appendicitis and the club takes a stance
Atlético de Madrid suffered another blow to their midfield plans as summer signing Álex Baena underwent emergency appendicitis surgery. The club confirmed the procedure on Tuesday, adding to the player’s earlier muscle injury that had already sidelined him since the La Liga opener.
Official Statement From Atlético
In an announcement, Atlético reported that Baena’s surgery was successful and that the 22-year-old is “doing well and awaiting hospital discharge.” The club stressed that his recovery timeline will depend on medical clearance, but cases of this nature usually require around four weeks of rest before a gradual return to training.
Big-Money Signing Set Back
Baena joined Atlético this summer from Villarreal in a €42 million deal, making him the club’s most expensive signing of the window and accounting for nearly a quarter of their total €178 million outlay. Expectations were high after his standout campaigns with the Yellow Submarine, but so far he has only managed 68 minutes in a Colchonero shirt before injuries struck.
Atlético’s recruitment drive included 11 new players, among them Thiago Almada and Dávid Hancko, as Diego Simeone reshaped his squad for the season.
Tough Start to the Season
On the pitch, Atlético’s early results have fueled concerns among fans. After three rounds of La Liga, the club has managed just two goals in nine attempts, sitting dangerously close to the relegation zone. The team has drawn twice against Elche and Almería and suffered a defeat to Espanyol.
Simeone now has extra time to reset during the international break. Atlético will face Villarreal on September 13 at the Metropolitano, before kicking off their Champions League campaign against Liverpool.
