Atlético's line‑up puzzle deepens as David swaps for Álvarez

On a bright Thursday morning at the club’s training ground, Diego Pablo Simeone watched Jonathan David pack his kit while a fresh‑signed Julián Álvarez arrived, the buzz of the swap already echoing through the Atlético de Madrid squad.

Ballesteros / EFE Walter Zimmermann reported that Simeone has offered few clues in the limited sessions he has managed with his full roster before the clash with Alavés.

Training sessions and early exits

Thursday saw several internationals undertaking recovery work, but Friday’s drill ended abruptly when Kang-in, Cuti, Julián, Jonathan David and Obed Vargas all left the pitch early.

Barrios and Alexander Sorloth are set to return for the Alavés game, EFE confirming their availability.

Choosing the striker

Walter Zimmermann quoted Simeone saying, "Veo a Julián con ganas de entregar lo mejor que tiene," highlighting the Argentine’s eagerness.

Three forwards now vie for the Mendizorroza centre‑forward role: Alexander Sorloth, confirmed by Simeone in a press conference; Jonathan David, who played the full ninety minutes for Canada against the United States and endured a trans‑oceanic flight; and Julián Álvarez, who featured sixty minutes versus Benin after a long journey.

Both Lookman and Arnau Ortiz have rested, but Lookman has yet to cement a striking position and Ortiz, a home‑grown talent, may lack the necessary courage.

Another option is Baena, who has already featured in that role this season and leads the team with four goals, though he only managed forty‑five minutes for Spain in his latest outing.

Simeone must balance fatigue – European internationals have logged four matches each, while American players faced longer travel – and decide which striker can help Atlético break Alavés’s stingy defence.