Thomas Partey to miss Rayo Vallecano clash

Ghana international Thomas Partey is set to miss Atlético Madrid's match against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday after he was sent off in their weekend derby defeat to Real Madrid, who overtook their city rivals into second place at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

The 25-year-old received a second yellow card for a late tackle German midfielder Toni Kroos, as Diego Simeone's side lost back to back games for the first time this season, and will serve a one-game ban.

Simeone spoke after the game about how he will be demanding a response from his players in Vallecas, but he has other suspension concerns ahead of the game.

French international pair Antoine Griezmann and Lucas Hernandez, who were both cautioned alongside Partey, in a feisty Madrid derby, are now on four La Liga yellow cards each for the season, and one more booking would see them miss the home game with relegation battling Villarreal on Saturday, February 24th.

Partey has made 20 appearances and scored two goals with three assists for Atlético Madrid so far this term.