Simeone rules out Julián Álvarez: «No Tuesday game, no chance» | OneFootball

At Atlético de Madrid, everyone is already thinking about the Champions League semifinal second leg against Arsenal. Everyone except Diego Simeone, who at the moment is putting together the team that will visit Valencia this Saturday for Matchday 34 of La Liga. A game of very little importance, with Barcelona on course for the title and everyone at Atleti simply 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 sprained left ankle he suffered in the first leg against the Gunners, which forced him off with clear signs of discomfort.

The team’s top scorer (he converted a penalty for the 1-1 a few days ago) and always a source of danger, 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 were no match on Tuesday, Julián still wouldn’t have been ready for Saturday,” Simeone said bluntly about La Araña’s situation.

He also ruled out other players who have been carefully managed 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 with those who are in the best shape to compete tomorrow.”

This rotation could open the door to starting spots for Argentinians Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada, and Juan Musso, who had been a regular in goal until Jan Oblak’s return. As for the alternative XI he will put on the pitch, Cholo was clear: “The players’ condition demands it. The other day many 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 of being at Atlético de Madrid. For the youngsters, 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 sprint 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 at the club: “I feel at peace. Both I and the players are giving our all. 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.