Simeone would welcome Alvarez back to training amid Barca row
August 28, 2026 12:37
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone said he will try to ensure Julian Álvarez feels valued at the club when the forward returns to team training, amid continuing uncertainty over the player's future. Álvarez missed a third consecutive training session and will not travel with Atletico for Saturday's La Liga match at Sevilla because he is "not currently in good health," according to Simeone.
Atletico have publicly reiterated that they will not sanction a transfer to Barcelona, with reports in the source saying a move to Arsenal currently appears the only alternative exit for the 26‑year‑old striker.
KEY CONTEXT
- Álvarez featured heavily last season, making 49 appearances across all competitions and scoring 20 goals.
- The club issued two statements within 24 hours restating that they will not allow a transfer to Barcelona.
- Atletico are also without injured striker Alexander Sørloth for the Sevilla game, which further reduces their attacking options.
- New signing Cristian Romero, signed from Tottenham for €40m, is with the squad for the trip but Simeone said he needs time to reach full match sharpness.
WHY IT MATTERS
Álvarez is an influential attacking player for Atletico; his absence from training and the squad for Sevilla leaves Simeone with fewer forward options, compounded by Sørloth's injury. Atletico's firm refusal to deal with Barcelona shapes the possible transfer outcomes and leaves the club managing both squad morale and match preparations while the situation remains unresolved.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Álvarez returns to training and how the club manages him on his return.
- Any further official statements from Atletico clarifying transfer possibilities or changes to their position on a Barcelona move.
- How Atletico adapt their attack for the Sevilla match in the absence of Álvarez and Sørloth, and how Romero progresses toward full form.
KEY FACTS
- Álvarez is 26, made 49 appearances last season and scored 20 goals.
- He missed a third straight training session and will not travel to Sevilla because he is not in good health.
- Atletico have publicly stated they will not sell Álvarez to Barcelona; a move to Arsenal is described in the source as looking like the only other option.
- Alexander Sørloth is injured and unavailable for the Sevilla match.
- Cristian Romero joined from Tottenham for €40m and will travel with the squad but is not being rushed to peak fitness.