Julian Alvarez races to be fit for Atletico Madrid’s derby against Real Madrid

Julian Alvarez is working against time to recover from a muscle problem and feature for Atletico Madrid in Sunday’s derby against Real Madrid at the Metropolitano, although his involvement remains uncertain.

The Argentina forward has missed Atletico’s past two matches, against Real Sociedad and Osasuna, after suffering muscular discomfort last Saturday.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Alvarez is continuing his recovery programme in an attempt to make himself available for the derby. However, he has not trained with the first-team group since sustaining the problem and has only two sessions left with his team-mates before the match.

Those sessions are scheduled for Friday and Saturday. They will allow Atletico’s medical and coaching staff to assess his progress and determine whether he is fit enough to start or contribute from the substitutes’ bench.

Atletico sporting director Mateo Alemany said Alvarez’s availability would depend on both the condition of his quadriceps and how he felt before the match.

“Whether he plays or not will depend greatly on the condition of his quadriceps and on how he feels, because ultimately we know what muscular discomfort means,” Alemany told Movistar before the game against Osasuna.

He added: “Alvarez is training, preparing and dedicating a great deal of time to getting ready for the match. I say that because I know him, and he has a special desire to play in it. He will do everything possible to be there.”

Alvarez’s fitness is the main selection question facing Atletico ahead of the derby. If he reaches the best physical condition possible, he could return to the starting line-up because of his importance to the Madrid side. He also started for Atletico a week ago in their match against Liverpool at Anfield.

Jonathan David is another option, either replacing Alvarez or playing alongside him. The Canada forward has already demonstrated his form, scoring twice in his past two appearances. One goal came against Real Sociedad and the other against Osasuna, when he also provided an assist.

Atletico are also without another natural centre-forward. Alexander Sørloth remains unfit after suffering a muscle injury a month and a half ago. The problem has ruled him out of all seven of Atletico’s matches in official competitions, as well as Sunday’s derby.

Pablo Barrios is the third injured player in doubt for the fixture. He is expected to miss the meeting with Real Madrid after sustaining a mild grade muscle-fascial injury in his right leg.