Diego Simeone backs Julian Alvarez as Atletico Madrid confirm Sevilla absence

Diego Simeone has confirmed that Julian Alvarez will not play for Atletico Madrid against Sevilla on Wednesday, ending speculation over the Argentina forward’s involvement after he missed training.

The Atletico manager said he understood why Alvarez had dominated questions at his pre-match news conference, but insisted the club had already been clear about the situation.

“I understand that all the questions will be about Alvarez, although the club was decisive and clear in everything it explained,” Simeone said.

The 55-year-old added that he remained committed to helping Alvarez return to his best level and continue playing an important role for the Spanish side.

“I am still in the same position. From a sporting point of view, I am waiting to be able to help him and for him to continue being an important player for us. Clearly, he will not be there tomorrow,” he said.

Alvarez’s absence comes as Atletico prepare for a difficult fixture against Sevilla, with Simeone also dealing with an injury to Norway striker Alexander Sørloth.

Asked to name his preferred attacking partnership for Atletico this season, Simeone gave a brief answer: “Julian Alvarez and Sørloth.”

However, Sørloth remains unavailable, and Simeone said the striker’s injury had become more damaging because of Alvarez’s current situation.

“His absence hurts us and affects us even more because of Julian’s situation. Through collective effort, the team is trying to find solutions and reach positions that allow us to score,” said Simeone.

Atletico have been under scrutiny amid the noise surrounding Alvarez, but Simeone rejected the idea that the uncertainty was harming the team’s performances.

“The players are working very well. The team played good matches against Malaga and Villarreal. Tomorrow we want to play a good game, and I do not see that the situation affects us,” he said.

The manager also made clear that Atletico would continue to support Alvarez once he returned to group training. Simeone said the club would give him the same backing it had always provided, with the aim of ensuring he continued to feel valued within the squad.

“I do not have much more to explain about Alvarez. From the moment Julian returns to training with us, we will give him what we have always given him so that he feels like an important player, as he is for our team,” Simeone said.

His comments ended the latest round of discussion about Alvarez’s immediate future and his role at Atletico. Simeone underlined that the club remained prepared to work with the forward and help him recover his strongest form when he resumes training.

Alvarez will therefore watch Wednesday’s meeting with Sevilla from outside the squad, while Atletico seek attacking solutions without either of their preferred forwards available.

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