Julian Alvarez returns to Atletico Madrid training ahead of Real Madrid derby

Julian Alvarez has handed Atletico Madrid a major boost before Sunday’s Madrid derby by taking part fully in team training and putting himself in contention to face Real Madrid.

The Argentina forward returned to collective training during Atletico’s first session of preparation for the eagerly awaited fixture, having missed the club’s previous two matches. According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Alvarez is now physically ready to play, provided he suffers no setback in the coming days.

His possible return would give the derby added significance, with Alvarez set to play again at the Metropolitano after a controversial episode in Atletico’s most recent meeting with Villarreal around a month ago.

The striker was criticised by some Atletico supporters during that match because of reports that he wanted to move to Barcelona in the most recent transfer window. Atletico rejected the possibility of the transfer from the outset.

Barrios and Sørloth doubts

Atletico’s training session also brought concerns for Diego Simeone, with Pablo Barrios and Alexander Sørloth absent because of muscle injuries.

There are serious doubts over whether either player will recover in time for the derby, with their absence coming at a particularly important stage of Atletico’s preparations.

Atletico are targeting victory to move above Real Madrid in the league table. Real Madrid, managed by Jose Mourinho, currently lead their city rivals by two points, but Atletico would overtake them by winning on Sunday.

Simeone weighs up his options

Simeone chose to rest the players who started Atletico’s latest match against Osasuna during the session, while the rest of the squad worked on a number of tactical options ahead of the derby.

Pablo Poppel was used at right-back, while David Hancko operated in central defence. Those decisions could offer clues about the line-up being considered by the Argentine coach for the meeting with Real Madrid, according to Marca.

However, Simeone has not yet settled on his final team. Atletico have another training session scheduled for tomorrow, which is expected to play an important role in determining his remaining decisions for the derby.

Alvarez’s return to full training removes one of the main concerns surrounding Atletico’s attacking options, although the fitness of Barrios and Sørloth remains uncertain before the clubs meet.