Le Normand Will Return When He Is Fit, We Will Treat Him Like a New Player at Atlético

Atlético Madrid boss Diego Simeone insists that defender Jules Kounde will "return when he is fit" from a hamstring injury and that the club will treat him "like a new signing".

Kounde joined Atlético from Sevilla in the summer for a fee of €60 million but has only played three times for the club so far due to the injury.

Simeone said at a press conference on Friday that Kounde's injury is "not a big problem" and that he expects the player to return to training next week.

"He will return when he is fit," Simeone said. "We are not going to rush him back because we want him to be 100% fit when he does return.

"When he comes back, we will treat him like a new signing. He is a very important player for us and we are looking forward to having him back in the team."

Kounde's injury has been a blow for Atlético, who have struggled for form in recent weeks. The team has won just one of their last five matches and is currently fifth in the La Liga standings.

However, Simeone is confident that Kounde's return will help to improve the team's fortunes.

"He is a very good player and he will make a big difference to our team," Simeone said.

"We are looking forward to having him back and we are confident that he will help us to achieve our goals this season."