Atlético aces back for Euro charge

Midfielders Maxi Rodríguez and Martin Petrov have returned to training at Club Atlético de Madrid six months after both sustained serious knee injuries.

Calamitous week
The 26-year-old Rodríguez tore ligaments in his left knee during Argentina's friendly against Spain in Murcia on 11 October, while 28-year-old Bulgarian international Petrov suffered exactly the same injury in a 2-1 league win against RC Recreativo de Huelva three days later. "It's been a tough six months, but their knees have fully recovered and they're the same as they were before the injuries," said club doctor José María Villalón. "It's now up to the coach, Javier Aguirre, when they play." After 30 rounds, Atlético are sixth in the Primera División with 50 points, three behind Valencia CF in fourth.