Julián Alvarez
ATMMisses training, ruled out Tuesday
Alvarez (ankle) did not train Monday and is ruled out for Tuesday's clash against Osasuna, according to Pedro Fullana of Cadena SER.
Analysis: Alvarez has been managing an ankle issue since being forced off during the Champions League semifinal second leg against Arsenal, and his absence from Monday's session is a further sign that the club is taking no risks with the Argentine striker heading into the final stretch of the season. With the World Cup looming in about a month, Atletico will take no risks with the health of the forward rather than pushing him back before he is genuinely ready. Alexander Sorloth is expected to continue leading the line against Osasuna.
Won't be available Saturday
Alvarez (ankle) will miss Saturday's clash against Celta Vigo after reaggravating his ankle during Tuesday's Champions League semifinal second leg against Arsenal, with his return to the group dependent on the evolution of the injury, according to David G. Medina of Marca.
Analysis: Alvarez had played 66 minutes at the Emirates with the aid of an infiltration before the ankle gave way, and the toll of that effort has ruled him out of the immediate fixtures. With the World Cup looming in just over a month, Atletico will be in no rush to push the Argentine striker back before he is fully right, making Alexander Sorloth the likely option to lead the line against the Celeste while Alvarez works through his recovery.
Plays 66 minutes with infiltration
Alvarez played 66 minutes of Tuesday's Champions League semifinal second leg 1-0 loss against Arsenal at the Emirates with the help of an infiltration before the ankle gave way, forcing him off, according to Isaac Suarez of Marca.
Analysis: Alvarez had done everything possible to feature in such a crucial European night, working with the club's recovery staff right up until kickoff and receiving treatment until the last possible moment before the match. The Argentine striker was characteristically committed throughout his time on the pitch, pressing hard defensively and showing good movement in attack, before a crossing action past the hour mark caused the ankle to flare up beyond the point he could continue. Alvarez began limping immediately and attempted to play through the discomfort before ultimately signaling to the bench that he could not carry on, leaving Atletico without their most important attacking weapon for the remaining minutes of a defining European night. Alexander Sorloth could see more playing time during upcoming fixtures as the club will unlikely rush the Argentine forward now with the World Cup looming in around one month.
Starting as expected
Alvarez (ankle) is in the starting XI for Tuesday's match against Arsenal.
Analysis: Alvarez is no longer injured as expected, as the forward is instantly inserted into the starting XI. He plays a key part in the attack, so this is a major return for the club. After scoring last match and with his duties on free kicks and penalties, Alvarez is usually the best bet for a goal in this Atleti side.
Travels with squad
Alvarez (ankle) is travelling with Atletico's squad for Tuesday's Champions League semifinal second leg against Arsenal and is a late call, according to manager Diego Simone, per Isaac Suarez of Marca. "Yesterday they moved, today they will train and tomorrow we will decide."
Analysis: Alvarez had been ruled out of Saturday's clash against Valencia to protect his ankle after picking up the issue during the first leg, but his inclusion in the travelling squad is a significant boost for coach Diego Simeone heading into one of the biggest nights of the season. The Argentine striker is Atletico's most important attacking weapon in European competition this campaign with 10 Champions League goals, and having him available for the return leg at the Emirates is exactly the news the Colchoneros needed heading into what promises to be a defining clash in their pursuit of a Champions League final berth.
Ruled out against Valencia
Alvarez (ankle) is ruled out of Saturday's clash against Valencia, according to coach Diego Simeone. "If there hadn't been a match on Tuesday, Julian wouldn't have made it to Saturday either."
Analysis: Alvarez had scored from the penalty spot before going off in the 77th minute against Arsenal, and the club is now focused on having him available for next Tuesday's return leg rather than risking him in the league. Thiago Almada is expected to start against Valencia as coach Simeone rotates his squad with the bigger European picture in mind. Alvarez will hope to be fit for the return leg as Atletico's most important player in the competition, having netted 10 Champions League goals this campaign.
Forced off after goal in UCL
Alvarez scored a penalty goal but left the field with an ankle issue during Wednesday's UEFA Champions League game versus Arsenal, Domingo Ortiz of Sphera Sports reports. After the game, manager Diego Simeone was confident to recover Alvarez for the return leg, saying "Honestly, knowing the players, they'll definitely be available on Tuesday. Today, each of them is dealing with their own discomfort. Julian because of the fall he had in midfield with an Arsenal player".
Analysis: Alvarez equalized from the penalty spot in the 56th minute before suffering the injury in the 77th against Arsenal. It was the forward's comeback from a small muscular problem, but the new issue doesn't seem to be a setback and might not leave him out for a long time. If he does need to rest, his absence would be a big loss given that he's the team's top scorer in the European competition and second in league action with 10 and eight goals, respectively. However, Alexander Sorloth and Antoine Griezmann could still form a strong front line.
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