Huge blow for Lookman, Atletico as star midfielder is ruled out of Barcelona Copa del Rey semifinal

Atletico Madrid’s Copa del Rey preparations have taken a serious hit after a key midfield figure was ruled out ahead of their huge clash with Barcelona.

The setback comes just as momentum was building following a statement win that pushed Diego Simeone’s side into the semi-finals.

Atletico confirmed that Pablo Barrios suffered a hamstring injury in his right thigh after being forced off during the 5-0 demolition of Real Betis.

The 22-year-old was already carrying a knock from a previous game against Levante, and things worsened when he limped off shortly after the second half began against Betis.

Medical assessments suggest Barrios will be out for roughly four weeks, ruling him out of the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Barcelona and also sidelining him for the Champions League play-off ties against Club Brugge.

It’s a brutal loss for Simeone, especially considering Barrios has been one of Atletico’s most reliable performers this season, controlling tempo, breaking play and driving the team forward from midfield.

His absence also means he could miss several league games against Real Betis, Rayo Vallecano, Espanyol and Real Oviedo. The second leg of the Copa semi-final at Camp Nou sits dangerously close to his projected recovery window, meaning Atletico may need to plan without him for both legs.

For Ademola Lookman, the pressure now grows even bigger heading into the showdown with the defending champions. The Nigerian forward was electric in Atletico’s quarter-final win over Real Betis, registering both a goal and an assist to power Los Rojiblancos into the last four.

Simeone will be counting heavily on Lookman to bring that same energy and cutting edge against a Barcelona side he has historically struggled against.

While Atletico could welcome Julian Alvarez back from illness soon, there are still question marks over Alexander Sorloth, while Johnny Cardoso is also racing against time to be fit.

The semi-final first leg is expected to take place at the Wanda Metropolitano in mid-February, with the return leg scheduled for early March at Camp Nou.

With Barrios missing and squad fitness still uncertain, Atletico will need big-game moments from their attacking stars, and Lookman could be the man tasked with delivering them.