Spain’s Koke Suffers Thigh Injury Ahead of World Cup

Football - LaLiga - Athletic Bilbao v Atletico Madrid - San Mames, Bilbao, Spain - October 15, 2022 Atletico Madrid's Koke in action with Athletic Bilbao's Yeray Alvarez. (Reuters)

Asharq Al Awsat

10:35-18 October 2022 AD ـ 23 Rabi’ Al-Awwal 1444 AH

Asharq Al Awsat

10:35-18 October 2022 AD ـ 23 Rabi’ Al-Awwal 1444 AH

Spain’s Koke Suffers Thigh Injury Ahead of World Cup

Football - LaLiga - Athletic Bilbao v Atletico Madrid - San Mames, Bilbao, Spain - October 15, 2022 Atletico Madrid's Koke in action with Athletic Bilbao's Yeray Alvarez. (Reuters)

Atletico Madrid said Koke picked up a thigh injury in Saturday's 1-0 win at Athletic Bilbao, leaving the Spain midfielder just weeks to recover before the World Cup in Qatar.

Koke had started physiotherapy and rehabilitation sessions, Atletico said on Monday without providing a timeline for his return, but reports in Spanish media said he would be out for three weeks.

The 30-year-old, who has 67 caps, was substituted in the 81st minute of Atletico's win.

Spain, who are in Group E at the World Cup with Germany, Costa Rica and Japan, have yet to announce their final squad for the tournament. They begin their group campaign on Nov. 23 against Costa Rica.

Fernandez Thriving at Chelsea after Getting to Grips with Maresca’s Positional Demands

Football - Premier League - Chelsea v Brentford - Stamford Bridge, London, Britain - December 15, 2024 Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez applauds fans after the match. (Action Images via Reuters)

11:00-24 December 2024 AD ـ 23 Jumada Al-Alkhirah 1446 AH

Fernandez Thriving at Chelsea after Getting to Grips with Maresca’s Positional Demands

Football - Premier League - Chelsea v Brentford - Stamford Bridge, London, Britain - December 15, 2024 Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez applauds fans after the match. (Action Images via Reuters)

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez struggled to live up to his hefty price tag following his arrival at the club in January last year but the Argentine says his recent upturn in form is down to developing a good understanding with coach Enzo Maresca.

Fernandez, who cost Chelsea 106 million pounds ($132 million), started six of their first seven league matches this season but failed to impress and was dropped to the bench in place of Romeo Lavia.

However, since his return to the side last month Fernandez has looked revitalized, bagging three goals and four assists in seven Premier League games and helping Chelsea climb to second.

"I learned the position in which I had to play, over time I got the idea of what the coach wanted," Fernandez told ESPN in an interview published on Monday.

"He (Maresca) explained to me what he wanted and I was getting the concept, reading the games. There is still a long way to go.

"On a personal level I have been feeling very good. The team has shown a very strong character, always working and with humility and showing that great things can be achieved. There is still a long way to go."

Chelsea next host London rivals Fulham on Thursday before travelling to face Ipswich Town on Dec. 30.

Spain’s Koke Suffers Thigh Injury Ahead of World Cup

Spain’s Koke Suffers Thigh Injury Ahead of World Cup

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Fernandez Thriving at Chelsea after Getting to Grips with Maresca’s Positional Demands

Fernandez Thriving at Chelsea after Getting to Grips with Maresca’s Positional Demands

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