Julián Alvarez
ATM
Scores in Argentina rout
Alvarez scored while playing the opening 45 minutes of Argentina's 7-0 friendly win over Burkina Faso, ending an 84-day stretch without a goal.
Analysis: Alvarez finished a low cutback from Gianluca Prestianni in the 36th minute and was also involved in an own goal earlier in the first half before being replaced at the break. The goal could provide a welcome confidence boost after a quiet start to the campaign with Atletico Madrid, where he has yet to start a La Liga match. Alvarez has recorded five shots and two chances created without a goal contribution across three league appearances, with Jonathan David and Alexander Sorloth providing competition for minutes in attack.
Option for Madrid derby
Alvarez (undisclosed) will be an option for Sunday's derby against Real Madrid, according to coach Diego Simeone. "Yes Julian will be with us, we will see if he starts in the starting XI or on the bench."
Analysis: Alvarez had missed the recent match against Osasuna due to muscle overload, with coach Diego Simeone saying at the time he was still in recovery, and this unrestricted session now confirms he has fully recovered. The fixture carries extra significance given the forward's stated desire to leave the club during the World Cup, and a strong performance against Atletico's biggest rival could go a long way toward repairing his standing with the fanbase.
Spotted in team training
Alvarez (undisclosed) was spotted in team training Friday and should be an option for Sunday's Madrid derby against Real Madrid, according to Pascual Ruiz Arnal of Marca.
Analysis: Alvarez had missed the recent match against Osasuna due to muscle overload, with coach Diego Simeone saying at the time he was still in recovery, and this training session now offers further confirmation he has fully recovered. The fixture carries extra significance given the forward's stated desire to leave the club during the World Cup, and a strong performance against Atletico's biggest rival could go a long way toward repairing his standing with the fanbase.
Set to play in Madrid derby
Alvarez (undisclosed) is set to play in Sunday's Madrid derby against Real Madrid, according to Juanfe Sanz of El Chiringuito, per Mediaset Infinity.
Analysis: Alvarez had missed the recent match against Osasuna due to muscle overload, with coach Diego Simeone saying at the time he was still in recovery, but reports now points to a return for the derby after the Argentinian appears to have fully recovered. The fixture carries extra significance given the forward's stated desire to leave the club during the World Cup, and a strong performance against Atletico's biggest rival could go a long way toward repairing his standing with the fanbase.
Won't feature vs. Osasuna
Alvarez (undisclosed) won't play Wednesday against Osasuna, according to manager Diego Pablo Simeone. "Based on what we've discussed with the medical staff, he's still in recovery, so he won't be able to join us [tomorrow]."
Analysis: Alvarez is set to miss a second straight match due to muscle overload, and now the striker's focus is likely to be on recovering in time to be an option for the Madrid derby against Real Madrid on Sunday. With Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth (tear) out Wednesday, Jonathan David could lead the attacking line, with Ademola Lookman being another option.
Uncertain status vs. Osasuna
Alvarez is dealing with a muscular problem and remains uncertain to play Wednesday against Real Sociedad after training away from the group Monday, according to La Colina De Nervion.
Analysis: Atletico aim to have Alvarez ready for the derby against Real Madrid on Sunday, Sept. 20, so it wouldn't be surprising if the striker gets some rest in midweek. If that's the case, Jonathan David, who scored a goal against Real Sociedad the last time out, could be handed more playing time upfront.
Ruled out against Sociedad
Alvarez will not be available for Sunday's La Liga clash against Real Sociedad due to muscular overload after being forced to withdraw from Saturday's training session, the club announced.
Analysis: Alvarez's muscular issue is significant enough to keep him out Sunday, though there is currently no indication that he is facing an extended absence. His status will need to be monitored ahead of Atletico Madrid's upcoming fixtures, with his return likely dependent on how quickly the discomfort subsides. Ademola Lookman should be among the leading candidates to take on a larger role in attack while Alvarez is unavailable.
Adds assist
Alvarez assisted once to go with three shots (three on goal) and one chance created in Wednesday's 2-1 loss against Liverpool.
Analysis: Alvarez provided one assist during Wednesday's loss. The striker was back in the starting XI despite some contract disputes with the club, and he immediately showed his quality with an assist for the opening goal. As long as Alvarez remains in an Atleti shirt he will be one of the most valuable attackers in the Champions League.
Starting against Liverpool
Alvarez is in the starting XI for Wednesday's match against Liverpool.
Analysis: Alvarez is in the starting XI for Atletico despite some talks of the attacker being on the bench to start. This comes with the fact that Alexander Sorloth (tear) and Jonathan David (undisclosed) are out, leaving only a few attacking options for the club. This is the forward's first start for the club this campaign after an offseason transfer saga that saw him remain with his Atletico, only previously appearing from the bench twice in league play.
Not expected to start vs. Liverpool
Alvarez isn't expected to start Wednesday against Liverpool in the 2026/27 UCL opener Wednesday, according to manager Diego Simeone. "Alvarez is building up his fitness, I don't think he's ready to start, but I'm sure he'll help us as the game progresses."
Analysis: Following a transfer saga that included a failed move to FC Barcelona in the summer, Alvarez has appeared off the bench in two league matches for Atletico Madrid while tallying two just shots. Expect Alvarez to come off the bench Wednesday as well, but it's worth noting the Spanish club will be weakened in the attack since Alexander Sorloth (tear) and Jonathan David (undisclosed) won't be available. That means Ademola Lookman is expected to continue as the No. 9 for the time being.
Called up for Athletic Club clash
Alvarez (illness) trained very well this week and will be in the squad for Saturday's clash against Athletic Club, according to coach Diego Simeone. "Well, he's training very well, honestly tomorrow he's going to be called up and be part of the group leaving to play in Bilbao, hoping for the best from him like from all his teammates."
Analysis: Alvarez had recently returned to full team training after dealing with difficult days mentally that kept him sidelined, amid a transfer saga linking him to Barcelona that ultimately did not materialize. His inclusion in the traveling squad for the trip to face Athletic Club now confirms he is fully back in the fold as Atletico Madrid moves past the transfer window with him still on the roster.
Trains with teammates Tuesday
Alvarez (illness) trained with his teammates on Tuesday but his expression didn't change, as he continues working alongside the team and recovering his normalcy after his recent absences, just hours before the LaLiga transfer window closes, according to El Desmarque.
Analysis: Alvarez had recently returned to individual training after dealing with difficult days mentally that kept him out of the equation, amid an ongoing transfer saga linking him to Barcelona that appears increasingly unlikely to materialize. His involvement in full team training now, with the window closing imminently, suggests he is set to remain in Madrid regardless of how quiet his demeanor has been throughout the process.
Individually trains
Alvarez (illness) returned to individual training with Atletico Madrid as his move to Barcelona continues to slip, according to Barca Universal, per Marca.
Analysis: Alavrez is back in training with Atletico after an illness kept him out for a few days, although the forward only worked individually. This is amidst his ongoing transfer saga to Barcelona, something that appears won't take place, further encouraged by his participation in training. His future still remains unclear with a few days left in the window, although it appears most likely he will remain in Madrid.
Confirmed absent for Sevilla match
Alvarez (illness) will not be there for Saturday's match against Sevilla, according to coach Diego Simeone, per Diario Sport. "From the club's side, they have been very firm with what they explained about Julian, I hope to help him in the best way possible from the sporting side, Julian will not be there tomorrow."
Analysis: Alvarez had missed recent training due to illness following a difficult night, adding to a situation already complicated by continued speculation surrounding his future at Atletico amid an unresolved potential departure. Ademola Lookman figures to continue leading the line in his absence, and further clarity on Alvarez's status should emerge as the transfer deadline approaches.
Misses training due to illness
Alvarez (illness) did not take part in Atletico Madrid's team training Wednesday after feeling unwell following a difficult night, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Analysis: Alvarez was absent from Wednesday's session due to illness rather than an injury, adding further uncertainty over his availability for the upcoming clash against Sevilla. The forward's situation also comes amid continued speculation surrounding his future at Atletico, with a potential departure still unresolved ahead of the transfer deadline. His availability should depend on how quickly he recovers and whether he can resume training over the next few days, while Ademola Lookman is expected to continue leading the line if Alvarez is unavailable.
Starts on bench Sunday
Alvarez (fitness) is on the bench for Sunday's clash against Villarreal.
Analysis: Alvarez is available from the bench as he continues to work his way back to full fitness, with Ademola Lookman leading the attack from the start. With Alexander Sorloth sidelined, the Argentine provides an important option in the final third and could make an impact if introduced during the second half. Alvarez is expected to see his role increase as his fitness improves, with a return to the starting lineup likely in the coming fixtures.
Included in squad
Alvarez has been called up for Sunday's match against Villarreal, according to manager Diego Simeone. "Yes, he's in the squad [for tomorrow]. He's getting better, but he's still recovering his fitness levels and getting up to speed."
Analysis: Alvarez didn't play in the season-opening win over Malaga, but the striker will be back in the mix against Villarreal. Don't be surprised if he moves straight into the starting lineup since he's the most reliable option Atletico Madrid have to lead the line, especially with Alexander Sorloth (tear) sidelined.
Not ready for Malaga clash
Alvarez (fitness) will not be available for Wednesday's match against Malaga but could be in contention for Sunday's match against Villarreal, according to coach Diego Simeone. "I understand that he still needs a bit more training to be at his best on Sunday, and I also understand that we need to increase his training sessions with him. Why? So that he can be at his best. He's one of our best players, if not the best, offensively."
Analysis: Alvarez has been working closely with manager Diego Simeone's staff to manage his physical condition, with the coach stressing that decisions around his workload are being handled from a sporting standpoint first. Simeone described him as central to how Atletico Madrid are built as a team, citing his power, quality, leadership and overall talent. Alvarez is expected to use the coming days of training to close the gap toward his optimal physical level ahead of the Villarreal match. Ademola Lookman is expected to start up front alongside Arnau Ortiz until Alvarez is back available.
Undergoes preseason medical tests
Alvarez underwent preseason medical tests at the Vithas Madrid Arturo Soria hospital ahead of resuming training with Atletico Madrid, according to Carlos Fernandez of Marca.
Analysis: Alvarez finished last season with 20 goals and nine assists across all competitions for Atletico, before a World Cup run that saw Argentina fall in the final to Spain, closing the tournament with just one goal despite being favored over Lautaro Martinez throughout the competition. His future at the club remains uncertain as speculation continues, and further clarity should emerge as preseason progresses.
Weak performance in loss
Alvarez generated one tackle (one won), one clearance and one interception in Sunday's 1-0 defeat against Spain.
Analysis: Alvarez had a disappointing end to his World Cup participation as Argentina was denied a second consecutive title in the final moments. The striker did plenty of work near the opposing goal, but it only led to one goal during the entire tournament. He was ultimately favored over Lautaro Martinez and recorded meaningful minutes in the decisive rounds. With more opportunities to represent his country likely coming for him in future years, he'll focus on staying in top form at the club level after scoring 20 goals and nine assists for Atletico across all competitions last season.
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