Julián Alvarez
ATM
Sets up winner
Alvarez assisted once to go with three shots (one on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 1-0 victory over Espanyol.
Analysis: Alvarez came off the bench at half time against Espanyol and made the decisive contribution, teeing up Alex Baena for the late winner after Atletico had spent most of the afternoon knocking on the door. The forward was busy throughout his time on the pitch with three shots, and the assist was his first goal contribution in the league this season.
Spotted in team training
Alvarez (undisclosed) was spotted in team training Friday and should be an option for Sunday's Madrid derby against Real Madrid, according to Pascual Ruiz Arnal of Marca.
Analysis: Alvarez had missed the recent match against Osasuna due to muscle overload, with coach Diego Simeone saying at the time he was still in recovery, and this training session now offers further confirmation he has fully recovered. The fixture carries extra significance given the forward's stated desire to leave the club during the World Cup, and a strong performance against Atletico's biggest rival could go a long way toward repairing his standing with the fanbase.
Uncertain status vs. Osasuna
Alvarez is dealing with a muscular problem and remains uncertain to play Wednesday against Real Sociedad after training away from the group Monday, according to La Colina De Nervion.
Analysis: Atletico aim to have Alvarez ready for the derby against Real Madrid on Sunday, Sept. 20, so it wouldn't be surprising if the striker gets some rest in midweek. If that's the case, Jonathan David, who scored a goal against Real Sociedad the last time out, could be handed more playing time upfront.
Starting against Liverpool
Alvarez is in the starting XI for Wednesday's match against Liverpool.
Analysis: Alvarez is in the starting XI for Atletico despite some talks of the attacker being on the bench to start. This comes with the fact that Alexander Sorloth (tear) and Jonathan David (undisclosed) are out, leaving only a few attacking options for the club. This is the forward's first start for the club this campaign after an offseason transfer saga that saw him remain with his Atletico, only previously appearing from the bench twice in league play.
Starts on bench Sunday
Alvarez (fitness) is on the bench for Sunday's clash against Villarreal.
Analysis: Alvarez is available from the bench as he continues to work his way back to full fitness, with Ademola Lookman leading the attack from the start. With Alexander Sorloth sidelined, the Argentine provides an important option in the final third and could make an impact if introduced during the second half. Alvarez is expected to see his role increase as his fitness improves, with a return to the starting lineup likely in the coming fixtures.
Included in squad
Alvarez has been called up for Sunday's match against Villarreal, according to manager Diego Simeone. "Yes, he's in the squad [for tomorrow]. He's getting better, but he's still recovering his fitness levels and getting up to speed."
Analysis: Alvarez didn't play in the season-opening win over Malaga, but the striker will be back in the mix against Villarreal. Don't be surprised if he moves straight into the starting lineup since he's the most reliable option Atletico Madrid have to lead the line, especially with Alexander Sorloth (tear) sidelined.
Dangerous throughout match
Alvarez recorded two shots (one on goal) in Tuesday's 3-2 victory against Egypt.
Analysis: Alvarez registered two shots (one on target) across his 89 minutes in Tuesday's 3-2 win over Egypt, denied by Mostafa Shobeir's outstanding close-range stop in the first half when he was through on goal. The Atletico Madrid forward worked tirelessly throughout and was central to Argentina's sustained pressure in the second half, with his late pass triggering the decisive sequence that kept the world champions alive heading into the quarterfinals.
One shot Friday
Alvarez had one shot (zero on goal) and one chance created in Friday's 3-2 victory over Cape Verde.
Analysis: Alvarez came off the bench once again for Argentina, only starting in one match so far this World Cup. He would get 57 minutes of play and recorded a shot, although it was not on target. It waits to be seen if he will start again this tournament, as Argentina's other forward, Lautaro Martinez, failed to record a shot for the second time in a match this tournament on Friday, although he did score in their group stage finale.
Active in rotated attack
Alvarez generated one shot (one on goal) in Saturday's 3-1 win against Jordan.
Analysis: Alvarez registered one shot (one on target) across his 82 minutes in Saturday's 3-1 win over Jordan, working tirelessly as the pressing outlet in Argentina's rotated attack. The Atletico Madrid forward was replaced by Jose Manuel Lopez in the second half, having contributed consistently to a team performance that secured a perfect three-win group stage record ahead of the Cape Verde round of 32 fixture.
Features for 26 minutes
Alvarez recorded one shot on target in Monday's 2-0 win over Austria.
Analysis: Alvarez would not start once again after some injury concerns to enter the tournament, instead coming off the bench for 26 minutes. He would still earn more shots than starting forward Lautaro Martinez, although it was only a single shot. Alvarez will now look to start at Argentna closes out the group stage against Jordan on June 27.
Deemed fit to face Algeria
Alvarez has been cleared of any injury for Tuesday's match against Algeria, according to manager Lionel Scaloni. Julian had an ankle issue, but his recovery has paid off; he is available for tomorrow and is an option."
Analysis: Alvarez is going to return to play Tuesday as Argentina takes the field for the World Cup opener, cleared of any injury worries in his ankle. This will give the team yet another one of their best attackers, adding to an already frightful group. However, the main question is a question Argentina seemingly has to answer every World Cup, as it is unknown who will start at forward, with the battle between Lautaro Martinez and Alvarez.
Trains in full Wednesday
Alvarez trained in full Wednesday as he is managing a minor ankle problem that is expected to clear up ahead of Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16, with coach Lionel Scaloni confirming the issue is not a serious concern, the Argentina federation posted.
Analysis: Alvarez ended a productive club campaign with 18 goals and eight assists across 44 appearances for Atletico Madrid and is expected to lead Argentina's attack throughout the tournament. Manager Scaloni will continue to monitor his condition over the coming days but the positive update suggests the striker will be fully available when the defending world champions begin their campaign.
Almost fully recovered
Alvarez "is fine, he has a minor ankle problem that is going away" ahead of the World Cup kickoff, according to Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni.
Analysis: Alvarez has made progress in his recovery, looking to overcome his discomfort and potentially appear either in the final friendly game versus Iceland or in the initial World Cup meeting with Algeria. The star forward is currently expected to be favored over Lautaro Martinez in the contention to lead the front line, although both strikers could share time on the pitch. Alvarez is coming off a productive campaign in which he generated 18 goals and eight assists over 44 matches played across domestic and European play.
Likely ready for opener
Alvarez (ankle) has a strong chance of completing his recovery ahead of the World Cup opener versus Algeria, with coach Lionel Scaloni saying "I don't think any of them will have any problems being there.", Telemundo Deportes reports.
Analysis: Alvarez is aiming to be fit enough to start in the World Cup group stage, and in that case he'll be expected to have an edge over Lautaro Martinez in the race for the center-forward spot. After returning to training and receiving plasma treatment to accelerate his rehabilitation over the last few days, the Atletico Madrid player is now one of his country's main goal-scoring threats ahead of the international tournament. He previously enjoyed a productive club campaign, notching 18 goals and eight assists over 44 matches played considering La Liga and European action.
Receives plasma treatment
Alvarez will receive plasma treatment to aid his ankle recovery, with the Argentina coaching staff growing increasingly optimistic about his availability for the World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16, according to Hernan Castillo.
Analysis: Alvarez had been confirmed in full training earlier in the week after completing his recovery from an ankle sprain, and the plasma treatment is designed to accelerate the final stages of his rehabilitation rather than address any serious ongoing concern. The striker ended a superb club campaign with 18 goals and eight assists across 44 appearances for Atletico and will be expected to carry a significant portion of Argentina's attacking threat alongside Lautaro Martinez when the tournament gets underway.
Nearing return
Alvarez (ankle) completed his recovery from a sprain and was involved in full training with the Argentinian World Cup squad Tuesday, according to Gustavo Yarroch of Radio La Red.
Analysis: Alvarez has reportedly left his injury behind, and it's now a matter of him regaining match fitness to be an option for the defending world champions. The striker is coming off a superb campaign in which he scored 18 goals and provided eight assists across 44 La Liga or UCL appearances. Thus, he'll be expected to carry a major portion of Argentina's scoring hopes while contending with Lautaro Martinez for minutes in the center-forward position.
Won't play in finale
Alvarez (ankle) won't play in the season finale against Villarreal on Sunday, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Analysis: Alvarez has been relieved of his duties ahead of the final match of the season, with the aim of being as healthy as possible for the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Alvarez ends the 2025/26 season with eight goals and four assists in 29 appearances (22 starts) in LaLiga. The striker's goal will be to be healthy for Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16.
Remains out
Alvarez (ankle) remains unavailable and will not feature in Sunday's clash against Girona, according to Pedro Fullana of Cadena SER.
Analysis: Alvarez has been sidelined since picking up an ankle issue during the Champions League semifinal second leg against Arsenal and the club is taking no risks with the Argentine striker heading into the final fixture of the domestic season. With the World Cup just weeks away, Atletico are prioritizing having him fully fit for the tournament rather than rushing him back for a low-stakes league finale, with Alexander Sorloth and Antoine Griezmann expected to continue leading the line against Valencia.
Misses training, ruled out Tuesday
Alvarez (ankle) did not train Monday and is ruled out for Tuesday's clash against Osasuna, according to Pedro Fullana of Cadena SER.
Analysis: Alvarez has been managing an ankle issue since being forced off during the Champions League semifinal second leg against Arsenal, and his absence from Monday's session is a further sign that the club is taking no risks with the Argentine striker heading into the final stretch of the season. With the World Cup looming in about a month, Atletico will take no risks with the health of the forward rather than pushing him back before he is genuinely ready. Alexander Sorloth is expected to continue leading the line against Osasuna.
Won't be available Saturday
Alvarez (ankle) will miss Saturday's clash against Celta Vigo after reaggravating his ankle during Tuesday's Champions League semifinal second leg against Arsenal, with his return to the group dependent on the evolution of the injury, according to David G. Medina of Marca.
Analysis: Alvarez had played 66 minutes at the Emirates with the aid of an infiltration before the ankle gave way, and the toll of that effort has ruled him out of the immediate fixtures. With the World Cup looming in just over a month, Atletico will be in no rush to push the Argentine striker back before he is fully right, making Alexander Sorloth the likely option to lead the line against the Celeste while Alvarez works through his recovery.
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