Axel Witsel - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates

Two shots in return to pitch Witsel had two shots (zero on goal) in Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Oviedo.

Impact Witsel, who missed the last three matches with a calf injury, made his return to the pitch in Saturday's loss. He subbed onto the pitch in the 70th minute for Ivan Martin and tied a season-high with two shots in those final 20 minutes of the match. Now that he's back healthy there's a good chance he returns to the starting XI Saturday at Sevilla.

FEBRUARY 1 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to bench Witsel (calf) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Oviedo.

Impact Witsel is included on the bench for Saturday's clash against Oviedo after missing the last three games with a calf injury. He had been an undisputed starter for Girona prior to his setback but returns in a substitute role as he builds match fitness. His availability still adds an important option in midfield, while Fran Beltran is starting in his place against Oviedo.

JANUARY 31 • ROTOWIRE

Available against Oviedo Witsel (calf) is back available for Saturday's clash against Oviedo, the club posted.

Impact Witsel missed the last three games due to a calf injury that he could clear this week since he is included in the match squad for Saturday's clash against Oviedo. The Belgian has been an undisputed starter prior to his setback for Girona and will likely regain a similar role moving forward if he can remain fit.

JANUARY 30 • ROTOWIRE

Still out Witsel (calf) is out for Monday's match against Getafe.

Impact Witsel was deemed an option from sources heading into the contest, but is still out, appearing to be saved for another game. That said, the club doesn't play again until the weekend, giving him more time to train and possibly return.

JANUARY 26 • ROTOWIRE

Option to face Witsel (calf) is an option for Monday's match against Getafe, according to Joel Sebastian of Marca.

Impact Witsel was not risked last match but is now appearing to be fit, with the midfielder also able to train further this week. This would mean the return of a regular starter, only missing out start all season when fit. That said, if he is an option, a starting spot is likely to be waiting.

JANUARY 25 • ROTOWIRE

Not risked against Espanyol Witsel (calf) won't be risked for Friday's clash against Espanyol, coach Michel Sanchez said in the press conference.

Impact Witsel is not fully fit due to the calf injury that made him miss the last game and will therefore not be risked for Friday's clash against the Catalans. Witsel will hope to be back available for the game against Getafe on Jan. 26. Arnau Martinez is expected to start in the defensive midfield in his spot until he returns to full fitness.

JANUARY 15 • ROTOWIRE

Out with calf injury Witsel is out for Saturday's match against Osasuna due to a calf injury, according to his club.

Impact Witsel is not making the call Saturday, as the midfielder is a late absentee due to an injury he suffered in training. Unfortunately for the club, this does mean they will lose a regular starter as they await his recovery and further assessment. That said, Arnau Martinez is moved into the midfield in his place while Hugo Rincon sees the start at right-back.

JANUARY 10 • ROTOWIRE

Raphinha and Yamal score as Spanish leader Barcelona beats Villarreal

Raphinha and Lamine Yamal celebrate each other’s goals with a raised arm and hands linked as Barcelona wins 2-0 at 10-man Villarreal to stay four points clear of Real Madrid at the...

DECEMBER 21, 2025 • Associated Press

Scores in loss Witsel scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) and two chances created in Saturday's 2-1 defeat versus Barcelona.

Impact Witsel didn't do much outside of his goal, having little involvement in the offensive third. He should have more success against Oviedo, a side which has allowed 16 goals in La Liga play this season.

OCTOBER 19, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Barcelona beats Girona in stoppage time and Flick to miss clasico after sending off

Substitute Ronald Araújo has scored in stoppage time to snatch Barcelona a 2-1 victory over Girona in La Liga

OCTOBER 18, 2025 • Associated Press

Back from suspension Witsel is no longer suspended and is an option moving forward for the club.

Impact Witsel has cleared his ban due to his straight red card against Levante, with the midfield set to return in their next contest. He has been a regular starter for the Catalans since his arrival and is expected to claim his spot back against Espanyol on Friday.

SEPTEMBER 24, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Sees red Saturday Witsel was shown a pair of yellow cards and sent off during Saturday's clash against Levante.

Impact Witsel saw an early pair of yellow cards and was handed his marching orders in the opening 30 minutes. The Belgian will be suspended for one match at least, which will likely give Jhon Solis or Donny van de Beek increased playing time in the next fixture.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Signs with Girona Witsel signed with Girona as a free agent, the club announced.

Impact Witsel left Atletico at the end of his contract but has decided to remain in Spain. He completed a transfer to Girona, where he should provide depth in holding midfield and at center-back. At this point in his career Witsel isn't likely to compete for a consistent starting job, but he can still play a solid role if required.

AUGUST 12, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Spanish league kicks off with Barcelona wanting to keep its momentum and Madrid aiming to reset

The Spanish league season kicks off with top teams having different expectations

AUGUST 12, 2025 • Associated Press

Atletico Madrid adds playmaker Álex Baena from Villarreal

Atletico Madrid has boosted its squad by signing midfielder Álex Baena from Villarreal

JULY 2, 2025 • Associated Press

Atletico Madrid signs young Italian left back Matteo Ruggeri from Atalanta

Atletico Madrid has signed 22-year-old Italian left back Matteo Ruggeri from Atalanta on a five-year contract

JULY 1, 2025 • Associated Press

Barrios scores twice, Atlético Madrid beats Seattle Sounders 3-1 in Club World Cup

Pablo Barrios scored twice and Atlético Madrid beat the Seattle Sounders 3-1 in the Club World Cup

JUNE 20, 2025 • Associated Press

Returns to starting XI Witsel had one tackle (one won), three clearances and three interceptions in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Villarreal.

Impact Witsel was selected as a member of the Atletico Madrid starting XI Saturday for the first time since November as they played to a 1-1 draw versus Villarreal. The central defender equipped himself admirably in his return, leading the team with three clearances and three interceptions while making one block. With Clement Lenglet due to return from his one match ban and Javi Galan targeting the Madrid derby in early Feb. for his return, Witsel will have to continue to put forth high caliber performances to maintain his place in Atleti's lineup.

JANUARY 26, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Sets up equalizer Sunday Witsel assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Sunday's 3-1 victory against Leganes.

Impact Witsel registered the assist that led to Atletico's equalizer in the second half, as the Belgian defender prevented a ball from leaving the field with a pass to the middle of the six-yard box without knowing that Alexander Sorloth would slot it home with a magnificent backheel. Witsel's move to a center-back role has limited his fantasy upside even more, and he should earn most of his value via stats such as tackles, clearances and interceptions going forward.

OCTOBER 22, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Earns bench spot Witsel (groin) is on the bench for Monday's match against France.

Impact Witsel is finally back in the squad after missing all of their group stage matches, as he lines up on the bench Monday. The defender will hope to earn some time on the field, as this could be his final Euro match ever if they lose, with him having come out of international team retirement to participate in Germany.

JULY 1, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Eyeing round of 16 for return Witsel (groin) is looking to make a return against France on Monday, according to manager Domenico Tedesco, per Belga of Le Soir. We must follow his evolution day after day since h...

Impact Witsel has not featured in a single Euro 2024 match after injuring his groin but now appears to be close to a return, as the team is monitoring his availability heading into the round of 16. This would be a huge addition to the team after their disappointing start to the tournament, as he was likely to be a starter. He is starting to train, which brings confidence he could be fit for Monday's match, although it will probably come down to a late fitness test.

JUNE 27, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Out as expected Witsel (groin) is out for Wednesday's match against Ukraine.

Impact Witsel has yet to train since Euro 2024 started, so it is no surprise he has been left out once again. He will hope for a rise in fitness in the coming days and try to make a return for the round of 16, although that looks to be slim at the moment, with a return likely still being at least a week away.

JUNE 26, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Has yet to train Witsel (groin) has yet to rejoin group training as of Monday and is still being monitored by medical staff, leaving him doubtful for Wednesday's match against Ukraine, according to...

Impact Witsel continues to have a huge question mark hanging over him heading into Belgium's closing group stage match, as he has yet to compete due to injury and seems likely to miss yet another game. This situation continues to turn worse and worse for the team, as he was set to see a decent amount of minutes, and they would like him to feature in their decisive match against Ukraine. It will probably come down to a late fitness test, but at the moment, his chances to appear seem slim.

JUNE 25, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Aggravates injury, out Saturday Witsel (undisclosed) is out for Saturday's match against Romania, according to manager Domenico Tedesco, per Sacha Tavolieri.

Impact Witsel was first thought to have been an option for Saturday after training Friday. However, plans have now changed after he suffered a relapse in training, as he will now miss their second group stage match. This is a tough blow for the team and player as they fight an uphill battle to make the round of 16, with his main focus now being fit to help his team face Ukraine on Wednesday.

JUNE 21, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Fit for Saturday Witsel (undisclosed) is fit and an option for Saturday's match against Romania, per Maxime Berger of RTBF.

Impact Witsel had to miss out on the clash with Slovakia as he was still rehabbing from an injury. Zeno Koen Debast got the start Monday at center back, but will likely move back to the bench, depending on Witsel's fitness. He recorded 30 starts in 35 appearance with Atletico Madrid last season, totaling 110 clearances with 11 clean sheets.

JUNE 21, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

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