Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann concerns laid bare ahead of Manchester United Champions League tie

Atletico Madrid face a nervous wait on the well-being of talisman Antoine Griezmann ahead of their Champions League clash with Manchester United.

The two giants of their respective countries will lock horns over two legs to see which one will progress to the quarter-finals but Atleti are remaining cautious in their use of the Frenchman.

As the beginning of the knockout stage of the elite European competition emerges on the horizon, there are growing fears of a recurring muscle problem.

Spanish news outlet AS have reported: "Nobody wants him [Griezmann] to relapse again and have more problems, so his return could be for the next league day.

" United awaits in the Champions League on the 23rd, it is match marked in red on the Atletico calendar, and that match marks the calendar not only of Griezmann but of the whole team."

He picked up the problem in the derby clash against Real Madrid towards the middle of December but saw the issue flare up again in the cup tussle with Rayo Majadahonda a month ago.

United's Premier League rivals, Liverpool, have already found out the quality of the World Cup winner after he fired a brace during their 3-2 defeat against the Merseyside outfit, but it ended early for the 30-year-old, who was shown a red card for a high challenge on Roberto Firmino.

The latest concerns have been sparked by the clinical finisher's absence from their preparations for Sunday's clash against Griezmann's parent club Barcelona, in what has been speculated to be the latest act of caution from the passionate Argentinian chief in order to have him injury-free for this month's duel.

It is an away first leg for Ralf Rangnick's side before the Spaniards return to England a fortnight later.