Alvarez ready to play against former suitors
Diego Simeone has confirmed that forward Julian Alvarez is ready to face Barcelona in Sunday top of the table fixture in LaLiga. The 26 year old wanted to move to Barcelona in June, but Atletico Madrid rejected a 100 million euro offer from their Spanish rivals.
Alvarez was jeered by Atletico supporters earlier in the season after trying to leave the club. He has since apologized for his actions and worked his way back into the lineup, starting the last four matches and scoring twice.
When asked if the striker was prepared for the big match, Simeone stated that Alvarez is doing very good.
Flick previews Barcelona attacking options
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick admitted he wanted to bring Alvarez to the club after Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres left. Flick praised Alvarez as a fantastic player, but stressed that his focus remains strictly on his current squad.
Barcelona ended up signing winger Anthony Gordon instead. Gordon has scored three goals and provided four assists this season while playing alongside Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. The England international recently said fans have not seen his best yet, promising to play more selfishly.
Flick agreed with Gordon assessment, stating that the winger could be more selfish in one on one situations in the final third. Flick added that he is pleased with the player progress and how much he helps the team.
Team news and LaLiga standings
Both teams face selection decisions ahead of the match. Barcelona will be without Rodri due to a hamstring injury, with either Frenkie de Jong or Marc Bernal set to replace him. Defenders Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen return to the squad, with Flick deciding between Garcia and Brian Farinas at right back.
For Atletico, midfielder Johnny Cardoso is available again, but defender Cuti Romero remains out with an injury.
Barcelona lead LaLiga with 30 points from 11 matches, while Atletico sit second with 28 points. A win for Atletico would take them top before the international break. Barcelona won both league matches against Atletico last season, but Atletico knocked Barcelona out of the Copa del Rey and the Champions League.
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