Atlético de Madrid manager Diego Simeone has confirmed striker Julián Alvarez will join the squad to face Villarreal at the Metropolitano on Sunday.
The Argentine forward will start the La Liga fixture on the substitute bench after lacking the match sharpness needed to feature in midweek.
Simeone revealed the selection decision during a press conference on Saturday morning following a training session at the club's Majadahonda sports center outside Madrid.
The coach explained that Alvarez had shown physical improvement since Wednesday and was steadily catching up to the fitness pace of his teammates.
Alvarez missed Atlético's season-opening 2-0 victory against Málaga at the Metropolitano Stadium on Wednesday after being left out of the matchday squad entirely.
Training tactical shape and line-up
During tactical drills ahead of Sunday's match, Simeone tested a team featuring Jan Oblak in goal behind a defensive line of Giuliano Simeone, Marcos Llorente, Robin Le Normand, David Hancko, and Álex Grimaldo.
The midfield setup included Pablo Barrios, Koke Resurrección, and Morten Hjulmand, with Rodrigo Mendoza and Ademola Lookman paired in attack, though Simeone noted that his system remains flexible depending on match developments.
The focus during the match will center on how the home supporters receive Alvarez when he steps onto the pitch.
Transfer saga and Barcelona interest
Alvarez officially joined Atlético de Madrid on August 10, but his future at the club became the subject of intense speculation over the summer.
On June 22, while competing at the World Cup, the striker publicly expressed his desire to leave the Spanish side.
Barcelona has maintained strong interest in signing the player, but Atlético executives have repeatedly rejected any potential departure and insisted on his full 500 million euro release clause.
Atlético chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil addressed the situation on Friday in comments to Spanish news agency EFE, stating that the team needed the Argentine international to remain competitive among Europe's top clubs.
Gil said the club intended to support Alvarez and protect his development so he could reach his full potential on the pitch.
The chief executive added that the club recognized Alvarez had not received the best professional advice regarding his career choices over recent months.
