Julián Álvarez missed Atlético Madrid’s final training session at Cerro del Espino in Majadahonda, confirming he will not travel to face Sevilla at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán for La Liga’s third matchday. The forward has been absent from the club’s training ground for three days as his morale remains low following the collapse of his desired transfer to Barcelona.
The latest absence compounds a difficult start to the campaign for Diego Pablo Simeone’s squad. Atlético head into the fixture in Seville without a natural center-forward available due to injuries and ongoing roster turbulence, leaving the coaching staff scrambling for tactical adjustments in Andalusia.
The Collapse of the Barcelona Move and Gil Marín’s Stance
The friction surrounding Álvarez escalated after club executives drew a hard line against any potential deal with Barcelona. Speaking to reporters following the Champions League league-phase draw, Atlético CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín addressed the player’s psychological and professional state.
The executive added that while the club values the Argentine international immensely, a move to Camp Nou is strictly off the table. «Nuestra intención y mi sueño personal es que siga con nosotros, que siga en el Atlético…
Atlético’s board issued a resolute statement rejecting negotiations with Barcelona after taking offense at the approach led by Joan Laporta and his associates. With the Camp Nou option extinguished, reported interest from Arsenal remains one of the few active external storylines, though no formal agreement has materialized.
Simeone’s Pragmatic Approach and the Metropolitano Reception
The tension spilled onto the pitch during Atlético’s 2-2 draw against Villarreal at the Metropolitano, where Álvarez entered as a 66th-minute substitute amid whistles, boos, and jeers from sections of the home crowd. Following the match, the player headed straight to the tunnel without joining his teammates in acknowledging the supporters.
Manager Diego Pablo Simeone clarified in his post-match press conference that the forward’s retreat was dictated from above. «Fue decisión del club. El club decidió que no se acercara a saludar a la afición», explained Simeone. The manager deflected further controversy by emphasizing collective unity over individual market sagas. «No estoy para dar consejos. Tengo que centrarme en mi trabajo, que es deportivamente hacer lo mejor para el Atlético de Madrid.
Tactical Emergency in Seville
Simeone faces immediate selection headaches ahead of the weekend fixture against Sevilla. Beyond Álvarez’s three-day absence—which began Wednesday following an overnight illness—fellow forward Alexander Sorloth remains sidelined with a muscular contracture that has prevented the Norwegian from making his debut this season.
During the Villarreal encounter, Lookman was deployed out of position as an emergency center-forward. Simeone acknowledged the difficulty placed upon the Nigerian attacker. «Pidiéndole disculpas a Lookman primero en le vestuario. “Sé que no es tu lugar, nos tienes que ayudar”, le dije», recounted the coach, praising the player’s noble work rate while noting that the tactical shift deprives Lookman of his preferred one-on-one dribbling opportunities on the flank.
Sevilla enters the weekend fixture carrying two victories under Luis García Plaza, placing them in the aristocratic zone of the table. Atlético, meanwhile, must navigate a hostile Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán without two of their primary attacking options.
Next Match Details
Atlético Madrid visits Sevilla at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán on Saturday for the third round of La Liga. Kickoff times and official broadcast details are managed through local competition listings.
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