Report: Johnny Cardoso returns to Atletico Madrid training ahead of UCL second leg

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Johnny Cardoso is reportedly set to be back amongst Diego Simeone’s options this week at Atletico Madrid. Cardoso returned to training on Sunday ahead of Atletico Madrid’s UEFA Champions League second leg tie vs. Barcelona on Tuesday, Mundo Deportivo reported. The American midfielder has not featured for the La Liga club since March 18 after suffering a muscle injury while on international duty with the U.S. men’s national team.Cardoso played 45 minutes in the USMNT’s 5-2 friendly loss to Belgium on March 28 before withdrawing from camp to return to Madrid. He had not featured in Atletico’s three matches since the March international break. The 24-year-old has made 24 appearances for Atletico Madrid in all competitions.Atletico Madrid claimed a 2-0 first leg victory over Barcelona last week, using goals from Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth to do so. Despite their league struggles, Atletico Madrid has a strong chance of reaching the Champions League semifinals. However, they will have to try and fend off a Barcelona side that remains top of the La Liga standings with 79 points.