Atletico Madrid boss Simeone sweating on Griezmann fitness after ankle injury

Atletico Madrid is hoping Antoine Griezmann’s injury is nothing more than a sprained ankle after the forward was substituted in its 1-0 defeat by Inter Milan in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, manager Diego Simeone said.

Atletico’s all-time leading goalscorer, who has scored five goals in six Champions League games this season, was replaced by Angel Correa in the 78th minute.

“He (Griezmann) sprained his ankle and we hope it will be just a sprained ankle,” Simeone told reporters.

Atletico’s injuries are piling up ahead of next week’s Copa del Rey semifinal second leg against Athletic Bilbao.

Defender Jose Maria Gimenez was also injured a minute after halftime on Tuesday, while midfielder Thomas Lemar and winger Marcos Paulo are also sidelined.

Simeone also said he was optimistic about his team’s chances of advancing to the Champions League quarterfinals when it hosts the Serie A leader in the second leg on March 13.

“Going beyond the defeat, we’ve proven that we’re able to compete. We know what we’ll face,” Simeone added.

“After playing against them, now we know how they play. Now we hope that when the time comes we’ll be in top shape and we’ll compete the way this tournament demands.”