
Alexander Sørloth
Two shots from bench
Sorloth registered two shots (zero on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Saturday's 1-0 victory over Deportivo. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 85th minute.
Analysis: Sorloth would get another appearance from the bench Saturday, with the forward playing 23 minutes. He would bag two shots in his time on the field, still finding his legs after an injury to begin the campaign. He remains a backup in the grand scheme of things, but will earn more time as the schedule intensifies.
Cleared for season debut
Sorloth (tear) is available for Saturday's La Liga clash against Alaves after recovering from an injury sustained during preseason, according to Pedro Fullana of Cadena SER.
Analysis: Sorloth is finally ready to make his first appearance of the 2026/27 campaign after missing the opening weeks of the season due to a preseason injury. The striker resumed full team training earlier in the week, completing consecutive sessions without any reported setbacks before receiving clearance for Saturday's matchup. However, given his lengthy absence from competitive action, Sorloth could initially be eased back into the rotation off the bench rather than immediately returning to the starting XI. His availability provides Atletico Madrid with an additional attacking option as they resume La Liga action following the international break.
Completes another full session
Sorloth (tear) trained normally with the group for the second consecutive day Wednesday as he continues to build toward his return, according to Carrusel Deportivo.
Analysis: Sorloth is moving closer to making his 2026/27 season debut after missing the opening weeks of the campaign with an injury sustained during preseason. Consecutive full training sessions are an encouraging sign ahead of Saturday's clash against Alaves, and the striker should have a good chance of making the squad if he avoids a setback. Given the length of his absence, his minutes could initially be managed even if he is cleared to return.
Makes long-awaited return to group training
Sorloth (tear) is back in group training and could be an option for Saturday's game against Alaves on Saturday, Francisco Javier Diaz of Diario AS reports.
Analysis: Sorloth has yet to make his 2026/27 season debut after sustaining the injury in preseason, but he used the international break to continue his recovery, and now he's finally back in training. If Sorloth doesn't suffer any setbacks, he should be in the squad for Saturday's game at Alaves when the league campaign resumes this weekend after the international break.
Set to rejoin team training
Sorloth (tear) will rejoin the group during the final week of the international break, timed to be ready for the match at Alaves, according to Patricia Cazon of Diario AS.
Analysis: Sorloth has worked individually for the past two months to recover from a soleus muscle injury that was initially described as a simple contracture, even training on the club's days off. His return comes at a good time for Atletico, with Julian Alvarez recovered, Jonathan David scoring in each of his first three matches, and Sorloth historically a stronger scorer as the season progresses, having netted 18 of his 26 Villarreal goals from January onward and a similar pattern in his two seasons at Atletico.
Ruled out for derby
Sorloth (tear) remains out of team training and is ruled out for Sunday's derby against Real Madrid, according to Pascual Ruiz Arnal of Marca.
Analysis: Sorloth had recently returned to individual grass work as he continued recovering from his tear, but his continued absence from full team training now confirms he will miss the derby entirely. His path back into contention will continue to be monitored during the international break which should allow him to build on his fitness.
Unlikely for Madrid derby
Sorloth (tear) is unlikely to be available for Sunday's derby against Real Madrid, as he was not spotted in team training yet Friday, according to Pascual Ruiz Arnal of Marca.
Analysis: Sorloth had recently returned to training on grass individually, marking progress after his tear, though he had not yet resumed full training with the group at the time. His continued absence from full sessions now dims the slim chance he had of featuring off the bench for the derby, with his path back into contention continuing to be monitored.
Training on grass
Sorloth (tear) was spotted training on grass Monday, according to Javier Gomara of Mundo Deportivo.
Analysis: Sorloth is finally back on the grass, but he has to clear a few hurdles before being available for selection, as he's yet to resume full training with the rest of the group. Wednesday's match against Osasuna will come too soon for the Norway international, and there might be a slim, outside chance he could be an option off the bench for the derby against Real Madrid on Sunday before the international break.
Not available for UCL opener
Sorloth (tear) won't be an option for Wednesday's UCL opener against Liverpool, according to manager Diego Simeone. "He's still in recovery, the injury hasn't allowed to help us. We need him, he's an important player that gives us things that we don't have in other players in the squad."
Analysis: Sorloth has yet to play this season due to a muscular injury, and the Liverpool match will come too soon for the Norwegian striker. With Sorloth and Jonathan David (undisclosed) sidelined, and Julian Alvarez not ready to start, Ademola Lookman could lead the line once again. It's uncertain when Sorloth will be fit to play, but it wouldn't be shocking if he also misses the league match against Real Sociedad on Sept. 13 on a quick turnaround.
To miss start of season
Sorloth suffered a muscle injury that will force him to miss the start of the season, the club announced.
Analysis: Sorloth had to withdraw from a training session last week and has not returned to the pitch since, alongside other World Cup participants who did not travel to South Korea for the club's tour. His absence, combined with Julian Alvarez's limited preparation time before the season opener against Malaga, leaves coach Diego Simeone with few attacking options, with Ademola Lookman essentially forced into the role of primary striker as a result. Sorloth had been one of the most talked about names in the club's market conversations throughout the summer, and this injury complicates both the start of the season and any potential late transfer developments involving him. Sorloth is expected to be reassessed as his recovery progresses.
Back with Atletico Madrid
Sorloth is back in training with Atletico Madrid, ready for the new season, according to the club.
Analysis: Sorloth finished his first World Cup without a goal or assist across five appearances despite being a regular starter, a disappointing showing that included the loss to England in which he struggled to convert his chances. He still finished last season with 19 goals between league and Champions League action for Atletico, and his return to club training now shifts focus to preseason preparations as he looks to build on that production heading into the new 2026/27 La Liga campaign. Sorloth could be set for a larger role with the Colchoneros if Julian Alvarez had to leave the club during the summer transfer window.
Takes two shots against England
Sorloth had two shots (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-1 loss versus England.
Analysis: Sorloth made some poor decisions near the opposing goal and was ultimately neutralized during the knockout loss. Even as a regular starter, Sorloth didn't meet expectations in his first World Cup, ending up without a goal or assist across five games. He'll head back to his club Atletico Madrid for the 2026/27 La Liga campaign, where he'll look to earn a spot after recording 19 goals between league and UCL action last season.
Fades away against Brazil
Sorloth recorded three crosses (zero accurate) in Sunday's 2-1 victory versus Brazil.
Analysis: Sorloth was unable to build momentum despite his side's strong display, and he finished without a goal or assist for the fourth time in as many World Cup appearances. The forward started on the right wing but didn't return to the field for the second half, with Oscar Bobb taking his place. It has been a disappointing competition for the Atletico Madrid player due to his lack of goal involvements, given that Norway's offense has developed around their top scorer Erling Haaland. Still, there could be more opportunities for Sorloth to show his talent in the remaining rounds.
Quiet in win
Sorloth registered one shot (zero on goal), one cross (one accurate) and two chances created in Tuesday's 2-1 win against Cote D'ivoire.
Analysis: Sorloth didn't get much done before being subbed off during Tuesday's win. The result was still a nice one, but on the whole it was a match to forget for Sorloth. He did create a pair of chances but was let down by the finishing of the team around him. Sorloth will need to be more efficient against Brazil next time out.
Held in check by Senegal defenders
Sorloth drew one foul, committed one and had one block in Monday's 3-2 win over Senegal.
Analysis: Sorloth drew his second start and played almost the entire game, but he failed to pose a threat and collect any stats in the final third, as the offense went through Martin Odegaard and Erling Haaland. He didn't look at ease on the right flank. He was more effective in the previous contest, posting two shots (zero on target) and one chance created.
Struggles in World Cup debut
Sorloth recorded two shots (zero on goal) and one chance created in Tuesday's 4-1 victory against Iraq.
Analysis: Sorloth operated mostly on the right as expected, a role that allowed Erling Haaland to play centrally, but the forward had a difficult game, fouling constantly and losing his individual battles with Iraq's left back Merchas Doski. He rarely found himself in dangerous positions, a surprising struggle given this was meant to be the easiest fixture in the group, and finished with just two shots to show for his night.
Set starter for Norway
Sorloth is set to start in the attack for Norway at the 2026 World Cup.
Analysis: Sorloth is heading to America for the World Cup as he joins Norway, set to start for the dark horse contenders. He will not start in his natural center-forward spot due to teammate Erling Haaland, instead likely to be used on the right or as a secondary forward, helping out in more hold-up play. That said, his effectiveness could take a bit of a hit, but with all the attention on Haaland, Sorloth could see some open opportunities if Norway can play around that issue. He earned a solid 19 goals and one assist in 49 appearances (25 starts) between UCL and league play, showing he does have some quality around the net if given his chances.
Scores decisive goal
Sorloth scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) in Tuesday's 2-1 win over Osasuna.
Analysis: Sorloth's back post header Tuesday marked Atletico Madrid's consequential second goal in their 2-1 road victory over Osasuna. After entering the fray to begin the second half, the forward attempted two shots (one on goal). Sorloth has appeared as a substitute in seven of his last 10 appearances (all competitions).
Five shots Saturday
Sorloth generated five shots (two on goal) in Saturday's 1-0 defeat against Celta Vigo.
Analysis: Sorloth had plenty of chances at goal Saturday, finishing the contest with five shots. Though he put two on target, he was held without a goal, the first time this season where he has taken at least four shots and not scored. He'll look to bounce back Tuesday at Osasuna, a side which has conceded 45 goals through 35 matches this season.
Fit for bench
Sorloth (hamstring) is on the bench for Tuesday's match against Arsenal.
Analysis: Sorloth was back in training this week, and that has led to his addition to the team sheet, although only as an option from the bench. The forward is likely to be called on later in the match to replace one of their attackers, although he could see time earlier if Atletico find themselves in a hole and needing goals quickly.
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