Atlético may be without holding midfielder Gabi against Juventus

Atlético Madrid could be without captain Gabi for Wednesday night's match at home to Juventus, coach Diego Simeone has said.

The influential midfielder, who typically plays in a central holding role, sustained an ankle injury in Saturday’s 4-0 La Liga win over Sevilla.

“We will wait until tomorrow’s training session” before making a decision, said Simeone.

"If he is able to play, he will," said the Argentine, adding that Mario Suarez, Saul Niguez and Koke were candidates to replace Gabi.

Last season’s losing finalists badly need a win against the Italian champions after being beaten at Greek side Olympiakos in their opening game, while Juve beat Malmo 2-0.

Simeone will be prowling his technical area again tonight after serving a touchline ban. Atlético defender Diego Godin said the players had missed the charismatic former Argentina captain's presence.

“You notice when Simeone is there because there are things that you can’t see from the stands,” said the Uruguay international.

Juve top the Italian standings with five wins in five matches and have yet to concede a goal.

“It is very difficult to find any weak spots in this Juventus where you can try to cause them damage,” said Simeone.

“They have a lot of power in attack and some very quick players in defence. We will have to play at an extremely high level.”

Atlético’s thumping win against Sevilla on Saturday suggested they may be starting to put a stumbling start to the season behind them.

They compiled an impressive record at home in last term's Champions League when they won five and drew one of their six matches at

home.

They have won 17 of their last 19 European games at the Calderon stadium and their only defeat was a 2-0 reverse to Rubin Kazan in the last 32 of the Europa League in February 2013.

Juve are depleted for the trip to the Spanish capital.

Playmaker Andrea Pirlo and his Italy team-mate defender Andrea Barzagli have yet to play this season due to hip and Achilles injuries respectively and were not included in the squad for this game.