Julián Álvarez steps up recovery for derby: Simeone awaits return | OneFootball

The Spider returned to training with the group, but still hasn’t completed a full session

Atlético Madrid received positive news this Friday ahead of the derby against Real Madrid. Julián Álvarez took a step forward in his recovery and once again took part partially in the team’s training session in Majadahonda, although he still did not complete the full session.

The Argentine forward missed the rojiblanco side’s last two matches, against Real Sociedad and Osasuna, due to muscle overload. Now, his progress opens a small door for him to be available at the Metropolitano, although his presence is still not guaranteed.

Julián started by training alone

The session began individually for La Araña. The attacker worked alongside recovery coach Óscar Pitillas, doing different speed drills and working with the ball using both feet.

Later, he joined the group of players who had not started against Osasuna and completed part of the session with apparent normality.

However, after around 30 minutes he went back to training separately and ended up leaving the session. Before heading off, he even had time to test himself from the penalty spot.

The Argentine showed no obvious signs of discomfort, but his physical condition still did not allow him to increase the intensity.

Saturday’s training session will be decisive

With the derby scheduled for this Sunday at 16:15, the final training session before the match will be crucial for Diego Simeone to determine whether Julián can make the squad.

For now, it seems unlikely that the Argentine will be able to start against Real Madrid. The coaching staff will have to assess both his progress and the risk of pushing him too hard after the muscle overload that kept him out of the last two matches.

The decision could come this Saturday, when Atlético complete their final session before facing the team managed by José Mourinho.

Simeone prepares changes to his starting eleven

While waiting for news on Julián Álvarez, Simeone continues preparing a team with changes from the one that faced Osasuna.

The squad trained split into two groups, with the players who started against the Navarrese side doing a lower-intensity session.

Among the new faces who could appear in the starting eleven are David Hancko, Marc Pubill and Giuliano Simeone, all of whom could have a chance of starting the derby.

Barrios and Sorloth remain out

The absentees from training were Pablo Barrios and Alexander Sorloth.

Barrios is still dealing with a low-grade myofascial injury in his right leg that he suffered during the match against Liverpool at Anfield. Although there had been some hope that he might recover in time, the coaching staff appear to have opted not to take any risks.

The proximity of the international break also allows Atlético to manage his recovery more cautiously. The aim is for Barrios to be available when competition resumes.

A similar situation applies to Sorloth, whose return is also expected after the break, when Atlético visit Alavés on October 10.

The big question mark, however, remains Julián Álvarez. The final training session before the derby will decide whether La Araña can return to the scene against Real Madrid.

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