Julian Alvarez returns to Atletico de Madrid squad for Athletic Bilbao clash

Julian Alvarez has been included in the Atletico de Madrid squad for Saturday’s La Liga meeting with Athletic Bilbao, after missing the club’s previous match because of illness.

The Argentina international was left out of Atletico’s opening-round fixture against Malaga as his future was being decided during the transfer window and he was not considered ready to play.

He was then named among the substitutes and took part in the second-round match against Villarreal, playing 24 minutes in a game that ended 2-2.

Alvarez was absent again for the most recent fixture against Sevilla after missing training because of illness, according to Atletico de Madrid.

His return comes after the summer transfer window closed with the forward remaining at Atletico de Madrid. Arsenal and Barcelona had both been involved in a significant effort to sign him, but the Argentina international ultimately stayed with the Rojiblancos.

Atletico manager Diego Simeone confirmed Alvarez’s availability during his news conference on Friday morning.

“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,” Simeone said.

Asked whether he felt worn down by the uncertainty surrounding Alvarez’s situation, Simeone said his focus was now on the campaign ahead.

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

Simeone also urged people not to pass judgement too quickly on the situation and described it as an opportunity for Alvarez to learn.

“I want to make it clear: life is full of opportunities, and this is one of those given to Julian. We need to reduce the number of judgements we make and focus more on learning. It is a purely educational experience,” he said.

“He has an opportunity to resolve these situations, and that will make him happy. I wish him happiness, and I hope he inspires us,” Simeone added.

Atletico de Madrid have made an unbeaten start to the league campaign, collecting seven points from two wins and a draw. They sit third in the table, behind Real Madrid and Barcelona.

The Madrid side will travel to face Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 17:15. For Atletico, the match offers Alvarez the chance to return to competitive action after a disrupted opening to the season and a period of uncertainty over his future.

His inclusion gives Simeone another attacking option as Atletico attempt to maintain their position near the top of the La Liga standings.