​Atlético Madrid right-back Kieran Trippier is a doubt to face Liverpool in the Champions League last 16 after undergoing groin surgery.


The Englishman has not been seen since the defeat to Real Madrid in the Spanish Supercopa final in January, having missed his side's last four games after picking up the issue.

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The club noted on their ​official website that ​Tripper had initially been put on a conservative recovery plan, but he was unable to overcome the pain and ultimately went under the knife on Tuesday to try and address the issue. 


Everything went according to plan and now Tripper will begin a period of recovery and rehabilitation, but there is no official word of how long he is expected to be sidelined.


However, it seems incredibly likely that he will not be able to return in time to face ​Liverpool at the Wanda Metropolitano on 18 February, while he will face a race against time to make it back for the second leg on 11 March.


Since leaving ​Tottenham Hotspur during the summer, Tripper has made 22 appearances for ​Atlético and has even played his way back into Gareth Southgate's England plans as a result of his impressive performances.


Speaking to ​BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily, the full-back stated that he has loved his time in Spain so far.


"From day one in pre-season, to see how welcoming everybody is - the players, the staff - I knew straight away I would love it here. It's just so connected, which is the most important thing to me," he said.

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"It is different. Being here, you can see how close everyone is, the staff with the players. Even the groundsman and security give you big hugs when you come in. Sometimes in England, I don't think you have that.


"For the players who are not playing, you don't see anyone disappointed here. In England, sometimes if a player is not playing, they can be angry - everyone wants to get picked - but here, it just shows how good the man-management is as everyone is laughing and joking and you don't see anyone disappointed."

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