Simeone worried about Griezmann fitness after ankle injury

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone is hopeful that Antoine Griezmann's ankle injury is not serious after the forward was substituted in their 1-0 loss against Inter Milan in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

Atletico's all-time leading goalscorer, who has notched up five goals in six Champions League games this season, was replaced by Angel Correa in the 78th minute.

"He (Griezmann) sprained his ankle and we hope it will be just a sprained ankle," Simeone told reporters.

Atletico are facing a number of injury issues ahead of next week's Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Athletic Bilbao.

Defender Jose Maria Gimenez also suffered an injury in the second half on Tuesday, while midfielder Thomas Lemar and winger Marcos Paulo are also sidelined.

Simeone also said he was hopeful about his team's chances of advancing to the Champions League quarter-finals when they host the Serie A leaders in the second leg on March 13.

"Going beyond the defeat, we've proven that we're able to compete. We know what we'll face," Simeone added.

"After playing against them now we know how they play. Now we hope that when the time comes we'll be in top shape and we'll compete the way this tournament demands."