Simeone Rules Alvarez Out of Sevilla Trip Amid Atletico Transfer Standoff

Julian Alvarez will not travel with Atletico Madrid for Saturday’s La Liga match at Sevilla, manager Diego Simeone has confirmed, as uncertainty continues around the forward’s future at the club. BBC Sport reported that Alvarez missed training for a third consecutive day on Friday and that Simeone described the 26-year-old as not currently being in good health.

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The absence comes during a public dispute over Alvarez’s situation. According to the BBC report, Atletico have issued two statements within 24 hours reiterating that they will not allow him to join Barcelona in the coming days. The report said a move to Arsenal appeared to be his remaining route away from the Spanish club, but no completed transfer was reported.

Simeone said he intends to help Alvarez feel important again when the Argentina international returns to training. The Atletico coach also expressed hope that he could support the striker from a sporting perspective and restore him to the significant role he has held for the team. Alvarez made 49 appearances in all competitions last season and scored 20 goals.

Atletico will also be without injured Norway striker Alexander Sorloth against Sevilla, leaving Simeone short of two attacking options. The manager acknowledged that Sorloth’s absence was damaging and said the uncertainty involving Alvarez made the combined effect more significant. He said Atletico would need to find collective solutions to create goals and pursue the win.

Simeone rejected the suggestion that the Alvarez situation was disrupting the wider squad. He said his players had been working well, with particular reference to those returning from the World Cup, and pointed to Atletico’s performances against Malaga and Villarreal. Sevilla enter Saturday’s fixture after winning their previous two matches, a run Simeone said would lift their confidence.

New defender Cristian Romero will travel with Atletico’s squad following his summer move from Tottenham for 40 million euros, reported by the BBC as £34.2 million. Simeone nevertheless cautioned that Romero still needs time to reach his best condition and said the club would not rush him. Atletico therefore head to Sevilla managing separate questions over Alvarez’s availability, Sorloth’s injury and Romero’s readiness.