Simeone rules Julián Álvarez out: «Without Tuesday, he'd miss out» | OneFootball

Everyone at Atlético de Madrid is already thinking about the Champions League semifinal second leg against Arsenal. Everyone except Diego Simeone, who right now is shaping the team that will visit Valencia this Saturday for Matchday 34 of La Liga. A match of very little importance, with Barcelona closing in on the title and everyone at Atleti only waiting to travel to London.

That is why Cholo will field an alternative lineup to compete this weekend at Mestalla. As expected, Julián Álvarez will not be included, as he is still recovering from a left ankle sprain he suffered in the first leg against the Gunners, which forced him off with clear signs of discomfort.

The top scorer (he converted a penalty for the 1-1 a few days ago) and always a creator of chances, the Argentine forward is a key piece in Atlético’s structure. But this time he will watch the action from the comfort of the stands. The coach has no intention of risking his fitness with the most important match of the season just around the corner. “If there weren’t a match on Tuesday, Julián still wouldn’t have been ready for Saturday,” Simeone said bluntly about the Spider’s situation.

He also ruled out other players who have been handled with kid gloves and are targeting the Champions League clash: “Sorloth, Giuliano, Barrios and Giménez won’t be there either. I don’t think I’m leaving anyone else out. It’s more than clear that we’ll play tomorrow with those who are in the best shape to compete.”

This rotation could open the door to starting roles for Argentines Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada and Juan Musso, who had been a lock in goal until Jan Oblak’s return. As for the alternative XI he will put on the field, Cholo was clear: “The players’ condition demands it. The other day many of them finished with discomfort, and we’re going to play with fresh legs. I expect a lot from them tomorrow. They have the responsibility and the opportunity to be at Atlético de Madrid. For the younger guys, it’s another step forward; they’re close to the first team.”

Lastly, he spoke from the heart about how he is experiencing this final stretch of the season, after losing the Copa del Rey final and being very close to lifting the Champions League trophy for the first time in his historic spell: “I feel at peace. Both the players and I are giving our maximum. It’s a long road, with difficulties. It’s hard to get to where we are and compete the way we have this season. It’s a gift; the team becomes a team. The excitement is high, but faith is even higher.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.