Julian Alvarez recalled to Atletico Madrid squad for Athletic Club match

Diego Simeone has confirmed that Julian Alvarez will return to the Atletico Madrid squad for Saturday’s La Liga meeting with Athletic Club.

The Argentina forward has not featured in Atletico’s matchday squad for any of their opening three league games of the season. He has recently resumed training with the first team after the club’s management rejected a move that would have taken him to Barcelona.

Simeone confirmed Alvarez’s inclusion during his pre-match news conference, saying the striker had worked well in training.

“Julian Alvarez is training well, he will be included in the squad for the match, and we wish him and all his team-mates the very best,” said the Atletico manager.

Alvarez’s return comes after a period of uncertainty surrounding his position at the club. Atletico chose not to approve his departure to Barcelona, and the Argentina international has now been brought back into consideration for the next league fixture.

Asked whether he felt tired by the situation surrounding Alvarez, Simeone said his focus remained on the challenges ahead rather than on the events of recent weeks.

“I always look ahead. We have a wonderful season full of challenges. We will go into every match and give our very best,” he said.

Simeone also urged people to avoid making premature judgements about the forward and instead view the circumstances as an opportunity for development.

“I want to make it clear: life is full of opportunities, and this is one of them that has been given to Julian. We have to reduce the number of judgements we make and focus more on learning. It is a purely educational experience,” added Simeone.

The Atletico manager said Alvarez still had the chance to resolve the situation and expressed his hope that the player would emerge from it positively.

“He has an opportunity to solve these situations, and that is what will make him happy. I wish him happiness, and that he inspires us,” Simeone said.

Atletico Madrid will travel to face Athletic Club on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 17:15 local time. The match provides Alvarez with the opportunity to return to the squad after missing the opening three league fixtures.

Simeone’s announcement means the striker is available for selection, although the manager did not say whether Alvarez would start or be used from the substitutes’ bench. His inclusion nevertheless marks a return to first-team involvement following his recent absence and the club’s decision to reject Barcelona’s attempt to sign him.