José María Giménez

Gimenez (ankle) has progressed in his recovery and is a likely option for the Uruguayan national team in the upcoming World Cup after coach Marcelo Bielsa said "I would almost say that the time for his full discharge is being extended as a precaution, but he is doing very well.", AUFTV reports.

Analysis: Gimenez should be ready to appear in international activity after missing the last three games of the campaign with Atletico Madrid. The veteran defender will be reliable for his individual duel strength and could aim to rack up clean sheets if he's able to start in the first few games of the World Cup. In that case, he'll likely join Ronald Araujo at center-back, limiting Sebastian Caceres to a substitute spot.

May 11, 2026

Suffers high-grade ankle sprain

Gimenez was confirmed with a high-grade ankle sprain in his right ankle sustained during Saturday's 1-0 loss against Celta Vigo, ruling him out for the foreseeable future and effectively ending his season, according to the club.

Analysis: Gimenez was forced off in the 20th minute and medical tests confirmed the severity of the damage, with the Uruguayan set to undergo physiotherapy and gym rehabilitation with his return to competition dependent on the evolution of the injury. Gimenez ends the campaign with one goal and one assist alongside 27 tackles and 80 clearances across 22 appearances in all competitions, having shown his quality whenever fit for the Colchoneros. The focus now shifts entirely to being ready for Uruguay at the World Cup this summer, with the recovery timeline making any involvement in Atletico's remaining fixtures extremely unlikely as those injuries require at least four weeks to heal.

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