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Diego Simeone has provided a definitive update on Julián Álvarez’s fitness following a late injury during the first leg of Atlético Madrid’s Champions League semi-final against Arsenal.
The Argentine striker was forced to leave the pitch at the end of the 1-1 draw at the Metropolitano, sparking fears he could miss the return match in London next week.
Simeone trusts in Álvarez’s availability
Atléti’s hierarchy faced an anxious wait on Wednesday night after their star striker limped off with just 13 minutes remaining.
The World Cup winner appeared to catch his ankle during a challenge with Arsenal midfielder Eberechi Eze and was visibly distressed before being replaced.
Despite the worrying scenes on the touchline, Simeone was quick to downplay the seriousness of the issue during his post-match media duties.
“Well, knowing them, I’m sure they’ll be there on Tuesday,” the Atléti coach told reporters when asked about his growing injury list. “I don’t think there’s anyone who won’t play on Tuesday.”
Atlético’s stars face a race against time
Alvarez was not the only casualty on a tough night in the Spanish capital as the hosts count the cost of a physical encounter.
Giuliano Simeone went off with a knock, while Alexander Sorloth sat out as he recovers from an injury.
Simeone detailed the specific nature of the discomfort, stating: “I suppose they may be feeling some physical discomfort now. Giuliano from a knock, Julián from the fall he had in the middle of the field and Sorloth with a hamstring strain, but I have no doubt they will be there.”
Off-field drama surrounds semi-final tie
The match itself was preceded by significant tension between the two sides over the state of the playing surface.
In what has been described as a “turf war”, Arsenal reportedly requested a formal UEFA inspection of the height of the grass just hours before kick-off, fearing that Simeone’s team were seeking to curb their aerial play.
The tactical battle continued on the field, where Viktor Gyokeres put the Gunners ahead from the penalty spot.
Alvarez eventually tied the score with a clinical penalty of his own, although his evening ended prematurely following the clash with Eze.
The second leg well prepared for London
With the tie firmly on a knife edge at 1-1, Atlético face a quick turnaround before heading north to London.
They are scheduled to face Valencia in La Liga on Saturday, a match in which Simeone will likely rotate his team to protect those who take knocks.
The priority remains to ensure that Álvarez, Giuliano and Sorloth are 100 percent for the second leg.
As the Gunners prepare to host Atlético on a surface that Mikel Arteta hopes will be more conducive to his team’s style, Álvarez’s fitness remains the main topic of conversation.
If the 26-year-old is fit to start as Simeone predicts, he will remain the main threat to Arsenal’s hopes of reaching their first Champions League final since 2006.
