atlético vs osasuna: Jonathan David starts amid changes
Comes at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano with Diego Simeone rotating after a busy run and a derby with Real Madrid looming on Sunday. Jonathan David is set to…
MADRID — atlético vs osasuna takes place at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, with Diego Simeone expected to shuffle his side after a demanding run and with the Real Madrid derby waiting on Sunday. Jonathan David is set to start for Atlético, which enters the match on 10 points from its first five games.
The Spanish club has made a solid opening to the league season, but this fixture arrives at a tricky moment. Atlético beat Real Sociedad 3-0 away in their most recent match, yet Simeone now has to manage injuries and fitness concerns while keeping one eye on the derby.
Absences shape Atlético vs Osasuna
Atlético go into atlético vs osasuna without several important names. Julián Álvarez has been ruled out after muscle overload and is being rested with the derby in mind. Alexander Sørloth is also expected to miss out because of a calf tear, while Pablo Barrios is sidelined by a calf injury and is not expected back until after the October international break.
That leaves Simeone with less room in attack and midfield. According to the predicted lineups circulated before kickoff, Jonathan David will lead the line, with Ademola Lookman alongside him. The setup reflects a team trying to stay competitive without overloading key players this early in the campaign.
There is a clear practical impact here. Atlético’s depth is being tested, and Osasuna faces a side that still has quality but not its full attacking options. For supporters, the immediate question is whether Simeone can keep the points coming without risking the players he wants fresh for Real Madrid on Sunday. The answer matters well beyond one evening. A rotation-heavy XI can still protect Atlético’s position in the table, but it also raises the stakes for players like Jonathan David, who now gets a bigger role than expected.
Predicted XI and squad decisions
Atlético are not expected to make changes in goal, with Jan Oblak continuing as first choice. The back line is set to feature Marcos Llorente at right back, Robin Le Normand and Cuti Romero in central defense, and Alejandro Grimaldo on the left.
In midfield, Koke and Cardoso are expected to operate together in the center. A source linked to the projected lineup said the pair were the same two players who impressed against Real Sociedad. Hjulmand is expected to wait on the bench for the second half.
Further forward, Baena, Lee Kang-in and Lookman are expected to keep their places, while Giuliano Simeone is projected to start on the bench. Jonathan David, after scoring against Real Sociedad, is the main new name in the attacking plan. Atlético have also called up academy players Jorge Domínguez and Jorge Castillo to help cover the squad gaps.
Premier Sports 1 will show the match live for viewers in the UK, with kickoff set for 6pm BST on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. Atlético’s 10-point start and the absence list now meet in the same match, and Simeone’s rotation call will be judged almost immediately against Osasuna.
Source: marca.com
