Julian Alvarez Returns to Atletico Madrid Squad for Villarreal Clash
Julian Alvarez’s turbulent week at Atletico Madrid has ended with a place back in Diego Simeone’s squad – and a seat on the bench – for the La Liga clash with Villarreal.
The Argentina forward, at the centre of a transfer saga and keen on a move to Barcelona, was left out of the midweek win over Malaga. This time, Simeone has brought him back into the fold, even as Atletico start without a recognised centre-forward.
Simeone stands firm
Simeone had already trailed the decision in his pre-match press conference, making it clear Alvarez would return to the matchday group.
“Julian Alvarez will be in the squad tomorrow,” he said. “For me, Julian is an extremely important player for us to achieve our objectives. As long as he’s with the team, I’m going to look after him.”
Alvarez trained with the squad ahead of Villarreal’s visit, a visible sign that, at least professionally, the situation has stabilised after a stormy spell.
The mood outside the training ground told a different story. Around Atletico’s Majadahonda complex, angry supporters plastered signs reading “JULIAN FUERA” – “JULIAN OUT” – with his No. 19 symbolically crossed out. His push to leave for Barcelona has cut deep with sections of the fanbase, and they have not been shy about showing it.
Barcelona dream, Arsenal interest
Inside the club, the stance remains clear: Atletico do not want to lose him. Alvarez, though, has set his heart on Barcelona. That has complicated everything.
The former Manchester City forward has also been in contact with Mikel Arteta over a possible move to Arsenal, but the pull is different. Barcelona is the move he truly wants; Arsenal, while interested, does not carry the same weight for him.
Even so, his inclusion against Villarreal suggests some sort of uneasy truce for now. Atletico need him. He wants out. Both realities are colliding in real time.
Fitness row and fan backlash
When Alvarez was omitted from the squad that beat Malaga, Simeone pointed to fitness, not politics.
“We don’t believe Julián Alvarez is in the right condition to play or take part for tomorrow’s game,” he said at the time, noting the extended break the forward had taken after the World Cup. “Hopefully, over these next four days, he’ll make further progress and we’ll be closer to where we want him to be.”
Four days later, Alvarez is back on the teamsheet. The noise around him has only grown.
Simeone, though, has moved to shield his player from the most hostile elements of the reaction.
“I respect our fans,” he insisted. “I always have, but I don’t agree with insults or abuse. Every word is being scrutinised by people waiting to create conflict and uncertainty.
“There is no uncertainty. Miguel was very clear. He is our player and we need him.”
Atletico plan for the future
Behind the scenes, Atletico are still planning their attacking future. Even as they dig their heels in over Alvarez, the club have been heavily linked with a move for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, who is reported to have “said yes” to a switch.
For now, though, all eyes are on Alvarez. Benched, under fire, but back in the squad and still central to Simeone’s plans.
Whether that lasts beyond this window – or even beyond this week – is the question hanging over Atletico’s season.
