Sun Mar 16 20:20:00 UTC 2025: ## De Paul a Race Against Time to Face Barcelona After Exhaustion

**Madrid, Spain** – Atlético Madrid midfielder Rodrigo de Paul is facing a race against time to be fit for Sunday’s crucial clash against Barcelona. The Argentine, a key player for manager Diego Simeone, suffered a blow against Getafe and was substituted in the Champions League match against Real Madrid due to exhaustion.

De Paul, who has played 2,592 minutes this season, is only behind Griezmann and Alvarez in minutes played for Atlético. His increased workload, coupled with injuries and suspensions to other midfielders, has pushed him to his limits. The visible fatigue culminated in his substitution against Real Madrid with a heavily bandaged left thigh.

To ensure De Paul is ready for the Barcelona game, Atlético’s coaching staff is taking a cautious approach. He underwent individualized training yesterday, separate from his teammates, to recover from accumulated fatigue. While teammate Clément Lenglet, who also missed the Getafe game and was substituted against Madrid, trained normally.

The club is prioritizing De Paul’s recovery, carefully managing his workload in the coming days to maximize his chances of facing Barcelona at peak fitness. His availability is crucial for Atlético’s chances in the important match.

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