Dávid Hancko
ATM
Three shots in draw
Hancko recorded three shots (one on goal) in Tuesday's 1-1 draw versus VfB Stuttgart.
Analysis: Hancko started in his third straight UCL match Tuesday and recorded a season-high three shots in the draw. He also put one on target, just his second across 12 appearances in the UCL and La Liga combined this season. He played well on the defensive end too, recording seven clearances and one tackle in his full 90 minutes of action.
Shines for Slovakia
Hancko scored twice across four Nations League appearances for Slovakia during the international break, starting three matches and totaling 260 minutes, according to the club.
Analysis: Hancko enjoyed a productive international window, scoring against Kazakhstan and Moldova while operating primarily at left-back. The defender's workload was also relatively well managed, as he played only nine minutes against the Faroe Islands between his three starts and returns to Atletico without any reported physical concerns. Hancko has established himself as a regular under manager Diego Simeone this season and should remain a strong candidate to start Saturday against Alaves despite completing 90 minutes Tuesday.
Tallies an assist
Hancko assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal) and one chance created in Sunday's 3-0 win against Real Sociedad.
Analysis: Hancko got an assist as Atleti went on a late goal-scoring run to make Sunday's match look more lopsided than it actually was. The defender should be able to make moves in the attacking third in midweek play against Osasuna, as the side has allowed eight goals across five games to start the LaLiga game.
Credited with assist
Hancko assisted once to go with three shots (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Wednesday's 2-0 victory over Malaga. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 15th minute.
Analysis: Hancko was credited with an assist in the first goal, though in reality, he simply passed the ball to Lee Kang-In, who did the rest and scored an impressive goal. Hancko should earn most of his upside via defensive stats rather than goal-related contributions, though.
Starts for semifinal
Hancko (ankle) is in the starting XI for Wednesday's match against Arsenal.
Analysis: Hancko is no longer injured, and with his team, as expected, not just listed on the team sheet but starting. After a four-match absence, this is a major return, as the defender is a typical starter. He has yet to see a clean sheet in UCL play this season, something he will look to change Wednesday.
Should return Wednesday
Hancko (ankle) was back training with the team Monday, just two days before Wednesday's Champions League semifinal first leg against Arsenal at the Metropolitano, according to Sergio Picos of Diario AS.
Analysis: Hancko picked up an ankle injury April 8 in the Champions League quarterfinal against Barcelona and had logged more minutes than anyone in the squad before going down, making his potential return a massive boost for Atletico heading into the biggest week of their season. The Slovak center-back has been a locked-in starter under coach Diego Simeone and if he gets through the final training sessions without any setbacks, he could be in line to start against the Gunners. If he is not fit enough to go from the jump, Robin Le Normand is the most likely option to step in and anchor the back line.
Trains with team, could return
Hancko (ankle) returned to team training and could be available for Saturday's clash against Athletic Club, according to Ainhoa Sanchez of Radio Marca.
Analysis: Hancko had been unavailable for three consecutive games after an ankle injury prevented him from featuring even during the Copa del Rey final, making his return to the training pitch a significant step forward. The Slovak center-back is an undisputed starter when fit and his potential comeback gives manager Diego Simeone a welcome defensive option to call upon heading into the weekend. Robin Le Normand has been covering in his absence and the club will make a final call on Hancko's involvement after assessing how he responds in the remaining sessions before Saturday.
Still recovering, remains out
Hancko (ankle) continues to work through his recovery and remains unavailable for the time being, according to Pascual Ruiz Arnal of Marca.
Analysis: Hancko had travelled with the squad for the Copa del Rey final but was not risked given the Champions League commitments ahead, and his continued absence suggests the ankle issue has not yet fully resolved. Robin Le Normand is expected to continue holding a larger role in the central defense until Hancko is cleared to return, with Atletico keeping a close eye on his progress ahead of what is a massive week with Arsenal visiting the Metropolitano in the Champions League semifinal.
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