Atletico Madrid leave forward Julián Álvarez out of the squad for its La Liga opener against Málaga. The decision applies to Wednesday’s match at the Estadio Metropolitano, with Álvarez absent from the team list.
Multiple outlets report that the situation is tied to discussions over the player’s future during the offseason. Álvarez tells Atletico he wants a transfer, while the club indicates it does not intend to negotiate a release. Coach Diego Simeone also gives a football-related explanation, saying Álvarez is not included because he is not yet physically ready.
The differing angles focus on what primarily drives the exclusion: one thread centers on the reported request to leave and Atletico’s position on negotiations, while another highlights Simeone’s assessment of fitness rather than selection form. Overall, the reports agree that Álvarez is not in matchday contention for the opening fixture, but they frame the reasons with both sporting readiness and transfer uncertainty in view.
