Julián Álvarez tested after Champions League scare: Argentina relieved | OneFootball

Julián Álvarez did everything possible to play in both Champions League semifinals against Arsenal and take Atlético de Madrid to the final match for glory in Budapest. He scored a goal that kept them alive at the Metropolitano and, against all odds, started the second leg in London. Although he played through the pain, his body gave out after 65 minutes and he had to be substituted. A change that complicated Atlético’s attempt to turn the tie around and set off alarm bells in the Argentina national team.

La Araña watched the elimination at the hands of the Gunners from the front row of the bench. He lowered his head, swallowed his frustration over another golden title chance that slipped away because of small details (he was coming off missing a penalty and losing the Copa del Rey final to Real Sociedad), and underwent tests again to see whether the condition of his left ankle had worsened.

Last week, in the first leg in the Spanish capital, the forward went for a ball in midfield with Eberechi Eze, who ended up falling on top of his left foot and causing a twist that forced him to leave the field early.

Although it was only a knock and nothing more, it forced him to train carefully ahead of the return leg (he was rested for the La Liga match against Valencia over the weekend), and last Tuesday it took its toll when Diego Simeone’s team needed him most.

To the relief of Cholo and also Lionel Scaloni, Julián does not have a new injury nor did he worsen the previous one. Just lingering discomfort. His recovery will take a few days. With rest and physiotherapy exercises, he will be fit without problems for Argentina’s friendlies in early June and, of course, for their 2026 World Cup opener against Algeria in Kansas City.

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