Diego Simeone confirms Julián Álvarez available for Madrid derby

Julián Álvarez is back in the mix for Atlético Madrid just when his manager needs him most. Diego Simeone confirmed the Argentine striker has recovered from a muscular overload injury and will be available for Sunday’s Madrid derby against Real Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. Álvarez missed Atlético’s recent fixtures against Real Sociedad on September 13 and Osasuna on September 16, and his return to full group training earlier this week clears him for the Matchweek 7 showdown, with kick-off set for 16:15 local time. A complicated stretch for Álvarez His offseason was defined by a saga involving Barcelona, who reportedly pursued the forward only to be blocked by Atlético’s colossal release clause, set at €500 million. When the transfer fell through, a section of Atlético’s fanbase directed criticism at the forward, apparently viewing the near-departure as a betrayal, even though Álvarez ultimately remained at the club. Simeone has shown no ambiguity about where he stands. The Argentine manager has repeatedly backed Álvarez’s reintegration into the squad, making clear that the forward’s contributions on the pitch are what matter going forward. Injury concerns beyond Álvarez ...