Atletico turn to Lookman and Lee Kang-in for San Mames test

Julian Alvarez has been left out of Atletico Madrid’s starting line-up for their La Liga meeting with Athletic Club at San Mames, with manager Diego Simeone choosing Ademola Lookman and Lee Kang-in in attack.

Alvarez has only recently returned to training with Atletico after his absence, but was included in the matchday squad for the fourth-round fixture. Simeone has opted to begin the game with the Argentina forward among the substitutes rather than risk him from the opening whistle.

New signing Jonathan David is also on the bench alongside Alvarez, leaving both players waiting for their opportunity during the match.

Atletico Madrid’s starting line-up is:

Jan Oblak; Marc Pubill, Alejandro Grimaldo, Marcos Llorente, David Hancko; Pablo Barrios, Alex Baena, Morten Hjulmand; Giuliano Simeone, Lee Kang-in and Ademola Lookman.

Athletic Club name Unai Simon in goal, with a defence of Aymeric Laporte, Yeray Alvarez, Yuri Berchiche and Jesus Areso.

Benat Gerenabarrena, Oihan Sancet and Mikel Vesga Ruiz make up the midfield, while Nico Williams, Robert Navarro and Inaki Williams are selected in the attacking positions.

The selection represents a clear decision by Simeone to rely on Lookman and Lee Kang-in from the start as Atletico look to continue their campaign at one of Spanish football’s most demanding venues. Alvarez’s presence on the bench gives the manager an attacking option to introduce later, while David provides another alternative among the substitutes.

Atletico arrive at San Mames with seven points from their opening three La Liga matches. Athletic Club have collected three points from their first three games and will be seeking to improve that record on home ground.

The fixture is the fourth round of the league season and brings together two sides with contrasting starts to the campaign. Atletico’s unbeaten points total has placed them in a stronger early position, while Athletic Club will aim to use the home advantage provided by San Mames to close the gap.

Both clubs published their teams before kick-off, with Athletic Club accompanying their announcement with the message: “¡A por los tres puntos, leones!” Atletico also presented their selected XI for the contest.

Although Alvarez has been named among the substitutes, his return to the squad marks his latest step back into competition after recently rejoining Atletico training. Simeone has nevertheless decided that the forward will begin the match from the sidelines, with Giuliano Simeone, Lee Kang-in and Lookman chosen to lead the attacking plan.

The starting line-ups leave both managers with experienced options available during the game. Atletico’s bench includes Alvarez and David, while Athletic Club will look to the combination of their established players and young attacking talent to challenge the visitors at San Mames.