Jan Oblak (foto: Getty Images)
The Spanish newspaper AS reveals the main reason why Slovenian national team goalkeeper Jan Oblak did not participate in any of Atletico Madrid's preseason matches.
Atletico Madrid played four preseason matches ahead of the new season, including a high-profile clash against Juventus, where Romanian goalkeeper Horatiu Moldovan was in goal, while other key players were already in full action.
According to AS, the reason for Oblak's absence lies in an injury he sustained during the European Championship in Germany, which he has not yet fully recovered from. AS reports that Oblak is currently training according to an individual plan and has not yet trained with his teammates, but the club expects that this will change soon and that Oblak will be ready for the opening La Liga match, where the newly strengthened Atletico will face Villarreal.
AS reports that Atletico is not overly concerned about Oblak's condition, and even if he were to miss the match against Villarreal, it would not be a significant issue, as it is more or less clear that Oblak will soon return to full competitive form.
Oblak played in all 54 official matches for Atletico last season across all competitions, and coach Diego Pablo Simeone sees him as one of the key pillars of the team, which aims to reclaim the top spot in Spanish football with new reinforcements.