Julian Alvarez left 'out' of Atletico Madrid squad as statement released on Arsenal transfer target

· Mirror

Julian Alvarez has been ruled out of Atletico Madrid's La Liga clash with Real Sociedad on Sunday amid links to Arsenal

Julian Alvarez has been omitted from Atletico Madrid's travelling squad as the La Liga side gear up for Sunday night's clash with Real Sociedad. The club moved quickly to stress that his absence is purely injury‑related, distancing it from any remaining tension after a long, Arsenal‑shadowed summer transfer saga.

When announcing their squad for the 8pm kick‑off at the Reale Arena, Atleti confirmed via social media: "Julian will not travel to San Sebastian due to a muscle overload that led to his withdrawal from yesterday's training session. After conducting the relevant tests, the medical services have ruled out his participation in today's match."

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano had earlier reported: "Julian Alvarez, out for Atletico Madrid today and not even travelling with the squad."

The news comes amid a turbulent return to La Liga for Alvarez, following a lengthy transfer saga that dragged on for the best part of two months, with both Barcelona and Arsenal circling. The Gunners made no secret of their desire to land the 26-year-old as a marquee signing, as they look to defend the Premier League title they won in May.

Barcelona had also thrown their hat into the ring for the Argentine, but Arsenal received a significant boost in their pursuit when Atleti flatly refused to sell Alvarez to their domestic rivals.

Despite their utmost efforts, Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal board fell short of securing a deal for the striker, with the club opting to begin the campaign with Kai Havertz shouldering the bulk of their attacking responsibilities.

That outcome has ultimately worked in the club's favour, as they have made a flawless start to 2026/27, claiming wins in all four of their opening fixtures.

Alvarez, meanwhile, has endured a torrid beginning to the season in the Spanish capital.

Not only was the Calchin-born talent dropped from Diego Simeone's squad for their seasonal opener with Malaga last month, but he was mercilessly jeered by his own supporters when introduced as a second-half substitute against Villarreal the following week.

Although he was handed a starting berth against Liverpool in a 2-1 Champions League defeat in midweek, Alvarez now faces a potential spell on the treatment table depending on the severity of his injury.

As a result, Ademola Lookman and Kang-in Lee could potentially spearhead the attack for Madrid during Sunday's clash against Sociedad, while Alvarez is set to watch proceedings from the sidelines.

Read the original

People in this story

Related