Alvarez will miss the Liverpool match: a significant blow for Diego Simeone's team. | OneFootball

His absence will be felt.

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A major setback has struck Atlético Madrid on the eve of their crucial Champions League journey, casting a shadow over their highly anticipated clash against Liverpool at Anfield. The Spanish side will be forced to face the formidable Reds without the services of their key attacker, Julián Álvarez.

The devastating blow was confirmed just one day prior to kickoff, with reports revealing that a knee injury has ruled the Argentine international out of the fixture.

This absence is a rare occurrence for Álvarez, whose career has been remarkably resilient; this unfortunate event marks only the second time an injury has sidelined him, the first being a match for his former club, River Plate, back in 2022.

This injury comes at a particularly sensitive time for both the player and the club. Recent speculation has been swirling around Álvarez's future, with strong rumors suggesting a growing inclination from the player towards a future move to Barcelona.

Once heralded as a central pillar in Atlético's long-term vision, the talented forward has, according to insiders, found it challenging to perfectly assimilate into manager Diego Simeone's demanding and specific tactical structure. His absence from such a monumental match will only fuel further debate about his role and his destiny with the club.