Atletico de Madrid leave Julian Alvarez on the bench as Lee Kang-in starts against Athletic Bilbao

Diego Simeone has named his Atletico de Madrid starting XI for the Spanish league match against Athletic Bilbao, with Julian Alvarez among the substitutes despite returning to the squad.

The two sides meet at San Mames in the fourth round of the competition, where Atletico de Madrid will begin the game with Lee Kang-in and Alex Baena leading the attack.

Alvarez’s inclusion on the bench is the main selection detail. The forward is available again after returning to the matchday squad, but Simeone has opted not to select him from the start. Lee Kang-in and Baena will instead form the front two for the visitors.

Jan Oblak is named in goal, while the defence consists of Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, David Hancko and Alex Grimaldo.

Giovanni Simeone, Pablo Barrios, Morten Hjulmand and Ademola Lookman make up the midfield, with Lee Kang-in and Baena completing the line-up in attack.

Atletico have made the stronger start to the league campaign and currently sit fourth in the table with seven points from their opening three matches. Athletic Bilbao are 13th with three points.

The full Atletico de Madrid team is:

Goalkeeper: Jan Oblak

Defenders: Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, David Hancko, Alex Grimaldo

Midfielders: Giovanni Simeone, Pablo Barrios, Morten Hjulmand, Ademola Lookman

Forwards: Lee Kang-in, Alex Baena

The fixture at San Mames gives Simeone’s side the opportunity to build on their position near the top of the table, while Athletic Bilbao will be aiming to improve their early points tally. Despite Alvarez being available again, Atletico’s attacking responsibility will initially rest with Lee Kang-in and Baena.

Simeone’s decision means the Argentina international will start the match as an option from the substitutes’ bench rather than being part of the starting attack. His return to the squad nevertheless provides Atletico with an additional attacking choice during the game.

Athletic Bilbao’s position in 13th place contrasts with Atletico’s fourth-place standing, but both teams enter the contest with their line-ups now confirmed. The meeting at San Mames will therefore begin with Atletico using a two-man attack of Lee Kang-in and Baena, while Oblak captains the defensive effort from goal.