Julián Álvarez returns to Atlético Madrid squad for Athletic Club clash

Julián Álvarez will return to Atlético Madrid’s matchday squad for Saturday’s LaLiga trip to Athletic Club after Diego Simeone confirmed the forward is training well and will travel with the team to Bilbao. Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Simeone said Álvarez will be part of the group selected for the visit to San Mamés. The Atlético coach stopped short of confirming whether the Argentina international will start, with Álvarez one of several attacking options available following the close of the summer transfer window. “He is training very well,” Simeone said. “He will be called up, he will be part of the group travelling to Bilbao and we expect the best from him and all of his team-mates.” Simeone was also asked about the wider situation surrounding Álvarez and said the striker now has an opportunity to address issues internally and move forward in a way that allows him to be happy and perform at his best. The coach’s message was focused on reintegration rather than punishment, with Atlético now turning their attention fully towards the sporting demands of the new season. Álvarez’s inclusion strengthens Simeone’s attacking options for the Athletic fixture. New signing Jonathan David has also trained with the squad this week and is in contention to be involved, while Alexander Sørloth remains unavailable because of a muscle injury. Simeone indicated that both Álvarez and David could have roles depending on how the game develops, but he gave no indication that either is guaranteed to start. Álvarez’s return to the travelling squad is therefore the clearest development ahead of the weekend: he is back in Atlético’s immediate plans and available for selection at San Mamés. The final decision over how prominently he features will rest with Simeone on matchday.