Atletico Madrid’s already challenging start to the 2025-26 season has taken another significant blow with the news that summer signing Alex Baena will be sidelined for approximately four weeks following emergency surgery for acute appendicitis. The 24-year-old Spanish international underwent successful laparoscopic surgery on Tuesday, September 2, but the timing couldn’t be worse for Diego Simeone’s struggling side.
The surgery represents a double setback for both player and club, as Baena had only just been approaching a return from a muscle injury that had already kept him out of Atletico’s opening fixtures. With the Madrid derby looming at the end of September, his availability for one of the season’s biggest matches now hangs in the balance.
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The Surgery Details and Recovery Timeline
Atletico Madrid confirmed the successful procedure in an official statement released on Tuesday evening: “Álex Baena has been successfully operated on this Tuesday, September 2, for an acute appendicitis. The laparoscopic surgery went smoothly and the player is fine, but he will remain hospitalized for the next few hours waiting to be discharged from hospital and is pending his evolution for his return to training.”
The minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure is considered routine, but recovery typically requires 3-4 weeks before a professional athlete can return to competitive action. According to reports from Marca, Baena is expected to be sidelined until the start of October, which would put his return date around the first week of the new month.
| Recovery Timeline | Matches Affected |
|---|---|
| Surgery Date | September 2, 2025 |
| Expected Recovery | 4 weeks (early October) |
| Hospitalization | 24-48 hours post-surgery |
| Training Return | Dependent on evolution |
| Match Availability | Madrid derby questionable |
Matches Baena Will Miss
The extended absence means Baena will definitely miss Atletico’s next six scheduled fixtures, creating a significant void in Simeone’s tactical plans during a crucial early-season period. The matches he’s set to miss include:
La Liga fixtures:
- Villarreal (home) – September 14
- Mallorca (away) – September 21
- Rayo Vallecano (home) – September 24
- Real Madrid (home) – September 28/29
Champions League fixtures:
- Liverpool (home) – September 17
- Eintracht Frankfurt (away) – September 25
The Madrid Derby Dilemma
Perhaps the most significant match in doubt is the first Madrid derby of the season, scheduled for the final weekend of September at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. This fixture represents not just local bragging rights but could be pivotal in determining the early trajectory of both clubs’ seasons.
Given Atletico’s poor start to the campaign, with no wins from their opening three La Liga matches, Baena’s presence would have been crucial. The former Villarreal star was expected to be a key creative force in Simeone’s system, and his absence for such a high-profile fixture represents a major tactical headache for the Argentine coach.
There remains a slim possibility that Atletico might attempt to rush Baena back for the derby, but medical experts generally advise against accelerating recovery from appendicitis surgery, particularly for professional athletes who require peak physical condition.
Atletico’s Challenging Start Worsens
The news compounds what has already been a disappointing beginning to the 2025-26 season for Atletico Madrid. The club made significant investments during the summer transfer window, spending approximately €149 million on eight new signings, with Baena’s €50 million acquisition from Villarreal representing the marquee addition.
However, their early season form has been concerning. After three La Liga matches, Atletico remains winless, a statistic that has raised questions about the team’s ability to gel quickly with so many new additions. The absence of their most expensive summer signing only adds to these integration challenges.
Impact on Team Chemistry
Baena’s prolonged absence creates a ripple effect through Atletico’s tactical setup. The Spanish international had been earmarked as a crucial creative outlet in Simeone’s system, capable of operating in multiple positions across the attacking midfield and wing areas. His versatility was seen as essential to breaking down defensive teams that have traditionally given Atletico trouble.
The former Villarreal star’s ability to create chances was evident even in his limited appearances. During his debut against Espanyol, despite the team’s 2-1 defeat, Baena created four chances – more than any other Atletico player – while maintaining a 92.9% passing accuracy in the final third, second only to Matteo Ruggeri’s 93.9%.
Simeone’s Tactical Adjustments
Diego Simeone now faces the challenge of reorganizing his tactical approach without one of his key summer acquisitions. The Argentine coach has several options to fill Baena’s role, though none possess the exact same skill set that made the Spaniard such an attractive target.
Available alternatives include:
- Antoine Griezmann: The veteran Frenchman could move into a more central creative role
- Alexander Sorloth: The Norwegian striker could provide a different tactical dimension
- Conor Gallagher: The English midfielder offers energy and work rate, though less creativity
- Julián Álvarez: The Argentine forward could adapt to a more withdrawn role
| Tactical Options | Player | Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creative Playmaker | Griezmann | Experience, intelligence | Age, pace concerns |
| Physical Presence | Sorloth | Aerial threat, hold-up play | Limited creativity |
| Box-to-Box Energy | Gallagher | Work rate, pressing | Less technical ability |
| False 9 Role | Álvarez | Pace, finishing | Positional adjustment needed |
The Broader Implications
Baena’s injury represents more than just a tactical inconvenience; it symbolizes the challenges facing Atletico as they attempt to transition from their traditional defensive-minded approach to a more expansive, creative style of play. The Spaniard was central to this evolution, and his absence forces Simeone to potentially revert to more familiar, conservative tactics.
The timing is particularly problematic given Atletico’s Champions League commitments. The opening fixtures against Liverpool and Eintracht Frankfurt represent stern tests, and facing such quality opposition without their primary creative outlet significantly diminishes their prospects of making a strong start to the European campaign.
Financial and Strategic Concerns
From a financial perspective, Baena’s injury raises questions about the wisdom of Atletico’s heavy summer investment strategy. With €50 million invested in a player who has yet to make a meaningful impact due to consecutive injury setbacks, the club’s transfer policy faces early scrutiny.
The situation also highlights the risks inherent in building a team around new signings. Unlike established squad members who have developed chemistry over multiple seasons, new arrivals require time to integrate, and injuries during this crucial adaptation period can set back the entire project significantly.
Recovery Process and Return Expectations
The laparoscopic surgical approach used for Baena’s appendectomy typically involves smaller incisions and faster recovery times compared to traditional open surgery. However, professional athletes face additional considerations, as they must not only heal from the procedure but also rebuild their fitness to elite levels.
The recovery process typically follows several stages:
- Initial healing (1-2 weeks): Basic wound recovery and reduction of inflammation
- Gradual activity increase (2-3 weeks): Light physical activity and movement
- Training return (3-4 weeks): Gradual return to football-specific activities
- Match fitness (4-5 weeks): Full training participation and competitive readiness
Looking Ahead: October Return Target
If Baena’s recovery progresses as expected, his potential return in early October would coincide with Atletico’s fixture against his former club Villarreal – a match that would carry extra emotional weight given his summer departure from the Yellow Submarine.
The international break in October could provide additional recovery time, potentially allowing Baena to return at optimal fitness levels rather than being rushed back prematurely. This timing would be ideal from both medical and tactical perspectives, giving Simeone the opportunity to properly reintegrate his key signing during a less congested period.
For now, Atletico must navigate a challenging period without one of their most important players, testing the depth and resilience of Simeone’s squad during a crucial early-season phase that could define their entire campaign.
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FAQs
How long will Alex Baena be out after his appendicitis surgery?
According to medical reports and Marca, Baena is expected to be sidelined for approximately four weeks, with a potential return in early October 2025.
Will Alex Baena miss the Madrid derby against Real Madrid?
The Madrid derby is scheduled for the final weekend of September, making Baena’s participation highly doubtful. Atletico may consider rushing his return, but medical advice typically recommends a full 4-week recovery.
What type of surgery did Alex Baena undergo?
Baena underwent laparoscopic surgery for acute appendicitis on September 2, 2025. This minimally invasive procedure went smoothly according to Atletico Madrid’s official statement.
Which matches will Alex Baena definitely miss due to his surgery?
Baena will miss at least six matches: La Liga fixtures against Villarreal, Mallorca, Rayo Vallecano, and Real Madrid, plus Champions League games against Liverpool and Eintracht Frankfurt.
How much did Atletico Madrid pay for Alex Baena from Villarreal?
Atletico Madrid signed Alex Baena from Villarreal for approximately €50 million during the summer 2025 transfer window, making him their most expensive signing of the season.
