Junior Alonso is called up by Paraguay and will miss two Atlético games.

Young Iván Román was also called up by his national team –

Photo: Pedro Souza / Atlético / Jogada10

Coach Jorge Sampaoli will have a serious problem selecting Atlético's defense next week. The Paraguayan national team called up starting defender Junior Alonso this Friday (November 7th). Therefore, he will miss two important Brasileirão matches. Alonso was called up for the friendlies against the United States (November 15th) and Mexico (November 18th).

Sampaoli's problem, in fact, is twofold. Besides Alonso, the young defender Iván Román was also called up, but by the Chilean national team, for friendlies during the same FIFA international break. Therefore, the pair will miss both matches. Atlético, therefore, will need to find replacements for both defenders in the crucial upcoming games.

Young Iván Román was also called up by his national team –
Photo: Pedro Souza / Atlético / Jogada10

The pair, however, still have one last game to play before reporting for duty. Both are cleared to play against Sport , this Saturday (November 8th), at 4 pm, at Ilha do Retiro. Only after this match for the 33rd round will they travel to their respective national teams. The athletes are scheduled to return on November 19th, when they will travel back to Asunción, Paraguay.

The absences come at a time when Atlético is recovering in the Brasileirão. The team, after all, is on a five-game unbeaten streak (three in the league). Currently, Galo occupies 11th place in the table, with 40 points, and is looking to climb to secure a spot in continental competitions next year.

🗓️ Games that the duo will miss for Atlético

Wednesday (12/11) - 16th round (Delayed)

8:30 PM - Atlético vs. Fortaleza - Arena MRV

Sunday (11/16) - 37th round (Early)

7 PM - RB Bragantino vs. Atlético - Nabizão

Follow our content on social media: Bluesky, Threads, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook .