Simeone says Julián Álvarez remains in Atletico plans but is not fit for Malaga opener

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone said on Tuesday that Julián Álvarez remains part of the club’s plans but is not in the right condition to play in Atletico’s LaLiga 2026-27 opener at the Estadio Metropolitano against Malaga on Wednesday.

Alvárez, who joined Atletico in 2024, publicly expressed a desire to join Barcelona during Argentina’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign and returned late from that tournament after leading the 2022 champions to the final, where they lost the title to Spain.

In a pre-match press conference, Simeone addressed the striker’s situation and training needs, saying: "I still think the same way. I take care of the sporting side. We’ve been talking as we always do," as quoted by Marca. "From a sporting perspective, we need more training sessions with him so he can improve. He’s one of the best attacking players… if not the best."

Simeone also stated on the fitness issue more bluntly: "We don’t believe Julián Alvarez is in the right condition to play or take part for tomorrow’s game." "Hopefully, over these next four days, he’ll make further progress and we’ll be closer to where we want him to be."

Alvárez returned to Atletico training on August 10 and completed the mandatory pre-season medical examination at the High-Performance Sports Medicine Center at the Vithas Madrid Arturo Soria University Hospital.

The striker has been linked with moves to Barcelona and Arsenal during the transfer window, and the club rejected an offer from Real Madrid; Alvárez has publicly demanded a move to the Camp Nou, while Atletico CEO Angel Gil Marin has criticised his actions and threatened Barcelona with legal action over their conduct.

Commenting on Gil Marin’s stance, Simeone said: "I think if the club owner spoke so bluntly about what he said, that’s all there is to it; it’s more than clear. This is like when you go to court… there’s nothing more to it." He added: "We take care of the person and the player; we understand that he’s not in condition to play in this match."

With Alvárez ruled out, Atletico must decide who will partner Alexander Sorloth up front for the Malaga match at the Estadio Metropolitano on Wednesday.