Gian Piero Gasperini announces Juan Musso and Jose Luis Palomino have tested positive for COVID-19, as Atalanta prepare to face Torino tomorrow with Luis Muriel upfront.
It kicks off on Thursday at 15.30 GMT at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo.
At the start of his press conference, the coach confirmed that goalkeeper Musso and defender Palomino have tested positive for COVID-19 and are therefore out of action.
Duvan Zapata and Robin Gosens are also out injured, with Remo Freuler suspended, so Muriel gets an increasingly rare opportunity to start upfront.
“This variant is much more contagious, but fortunately the players are less symptomatic. It’s a situation that involves everyone, we reacted two years ago and must do it again now,” said Gasperini.
“Torino are tough for anyone to face, as they have this physicality and are well-organised. It’s going to be a fundamental game for us in the standings, hopefully it’ll be a great performance, but Ivan Juric makes all his opponents play badly.
“I remember when he was my player at Genoa, he couldn’t stand seeing the ball at the feet of his opponents, he’d even press the opposition goalkeeper. He has passed that concept onto his players now that he is a coach.
“He’ll do well at Torino if he gets the same kind of support that I received here with Atalanta.”
The arrival of Jeremie Boga from Sassuolo raised suggestions Muriel could be sold, but Gasperini assures that is not on the cards.
“Muriel has seemed sharper lately and can contribute a great deal. Boga’s arrival has nothing to do with Muriel. The transfer window is open to January 31, so there’s no guarantee Boga is the final signing for Atalanta.”