Julian Álvarez ruled out for Sevilla clash as Simeone confirms absence amid Arsenal interest

Atlético Madrid confirmed on Thursday that Argentine striker Julian Álvarez will miss Saturday's LaLiga encounter with Sevilla after skipping three consecutive training sessions. The club announced the decision ahead of the match, citing an ongoing indisposition that has kept the 23‑year‑old out of the squad since Wednesday.

Head coach Diego Simeone addressed the situation at a press conference, stressing that the club is focused on supporting the player’s recovery. “I remain in the same position, sport‑wise, to help him stay the important footballer he is for us. Obviously Julian will not be here tomorrow,” he said, adding that the team will provide all the assistance he needs once he returns to training.

Simeone also acknowledged the frustration among the supporters, who have expressed anger over Álvarez’s recent performances and his absence against Villarreal. “I understand the fans are upset with the ‘Araña’, but in life everything can be reversed while we have health,” the manager remarked, urging patience as the medical staff assess the striker’s condition.

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The forward’s absence follows a period of intense weeks for Atlético, with the club battling injuries across the squad. While the exact nature of Álvarez’s issue has not been disclosed, the coaching staff indicated that his return will be gradual and that he will be reintegrated once fully fit.

Outside Spain, Arsenal have kept the Argentine on their radar, waiting for a clear signal from the player before making a formal bid. Italian transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that the Gunners remain interested but will only act if Álvarez confirms a willingness to return to the Premier League, noting that the striker has expressed a preference for Barcelona as his next destination.

Atlético, however, have made it clear they are not prepared to sell Álvarez to a direct LaLiga rival. The club’s release clause stands at €500 million, with a realistic minimum offer estimated around €150 million for any interested party. Simeone reiterated that the club will “give him everything we have always given him” once he is back on the training pitch, underscoring his importance to the team.

In the short term, Atlético will have to reshuffle their attacking options for the Sevilla game, likely relying on veteran forward Álvaro Morata and emerging talent Ángel Correa to fill the void left by Álvarez’s unavailability.