Pablo Barrios Sidelined With Hamstring Tear as Recurring Injuries Threaten Atletico Madrid’s Champions League Hopes

Atletico Madrid's Pablo Barrios will miss the Champions League semi-final vs Arsenal due to a recurring hamstring injury, his fourth setback this season.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 27, 2026, 4:20 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from YSScores

A Crushing Blow Ahead of the Champions League Semi-Finals

The tactical preparations for Atletico Madrid’s most important week of the season have been thrown into disarray following the confirmation of a serious injury to Pablo Barrios. The young midfielder, who has emerged as a vital component of Diego Simeone’s central engine room, is officially unavailable for the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final against Arsenal on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Reports from Madrid-based medical staff confirm that Barrios suffered a significant hamstring tear, an injury that typically requires a minimum recovery period of four to six weeks. This absence is a major setback for the "Colchoneros," who are looking to secure a first-leg advantage in front of their home supporters.

Emotional Exit During Pivotal Athletic Bilbao Encounter

The injury occurred under distressing circumstances during Atletico's recent domestic match against Athletic Bilbao. In the 58th minute of play, Barrios collapsed in the center of the pitch following a sharp collision with Yuri Berchiche. The player immediately signaled to the bench, clutching the back of his left thigh, and was seen in tears as he limped toward the touchline. Witnesses noted that Barrios approached coach Diego Simeone directly to describe the sensation of the tear before being assisted to the dressing room. The visible frustration of the academy graduate underscores a season defined more by medical setbacks than his otherwise impressive on-field progression.

A Pattern of Persistent Muscle Failures This Season

This latest setback represents the fourth distinct injury Barrios has faced during a physically demanding 2025–2026 campaign. His struggle began in October with a minor calf issue, followed by a more severe muscle tear in his right thigh sustained during a Copa del Rey fixture against Real Betis in early February. That injury sidelined him for nearly 33 days, forcing him to miss key league fixtures. Despite a brief return to competitive action, the 22-year-old has found it impossible to maintain continuity, with each comeback being met by a fresh physiological failure. Medical experts have pointed to a potentially underlying issue with his recovery protocols, as three of these injuries have occurred in the same two-month window.