Alvarez 'suffering' after failed summer exit as Atletico face Liverpool in Champions League

Julian Alvarez is struggling to come to terms with his failed summer exit from Atletico Madrid, according to club president Enrique Cerezo, as the Argentine prepares to face Liverpool at Anfield in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Speaking to Spanish newspaper Sport hours before the fixture, Cerezo said: “I see Alvarez in good shape, but the truth is that he is suffering after what happened recently, and that is a cause for concern.” He added: “I think his recovery is going well, and when the coach sees that the time is right, he will return to play. The Julian case is closed.”

Alvarez spent much of the summer pushing for a move away from Atletico, with Barcelona lodging a bid of more than £86 million. Arsenal also had the former Manchester City forward high on their shortlist, with sporting director Andrea Berta — who previously worked with Alvarez at Atletico — attempting to convince him to return to the Premier League. Despite the interest and fierce backlash from Atletico supporters, Diego Simeone’s side held firm and kept the Argentine beyond the transfer deadline.

Alvarez has yet to start a league game this season and came off the bench in Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Athletic Club. He has been included in Atletico’s travelling squad for Anfield, though Simeone made clear in his pre-match press conference that a starting role remains unlikely. “Julian is still developing; I don’t see him starting yet, but he’ll help us as the game progresses,” the manager said.

Atletico’s striking options are further stretched ahead of the trip to Merseyside. Jonathan David, who joined the club recently, missed the Athletic Club defeat through injury, while Alexander Sorloth also remains sidelined. Simeone acknowledged the Norweigan’s absence is a significant blow. “He has this injury that’s keeping him from playing. We need him; he’s important, whether it’s for 90, 60 or 20 minutes. He gives us things we don’t have in the team right now,” the manager said. With both strikers doubts, Lee Kang-in and Alex Baena could again be used in forward positions.

The match at Anfield represents Atletico’s opening fixture in the revamped Champions League format, and Simeone noted the added significance of the competition for the club given that the final is scheduled to be held at their Metropolitano stadium.