Liverpool-Atlético: Julián Álvarez Will Not Start, Announces Simeone

“I don’t see him starting on Wednesday yet,” explained the Madrid coach, quoted by EFE. However, Simeone assured that the world champion 2022 should be able to contribute during the match. This is an important decision for Atlético, expected at 21 hours on Anfield’s pitch against a Liverpool side unbeaten at the start of this season..

The offensive situation of the Colchoneros complicates the coach’s choices. Alexander Sørloth is still recovering from a muscle injury and will miss the match again. Jonathan David, who arrived at the end of the transfer window, has also been slowed by a physical problem and has not yet regained full fitness, according to Simeone’s statements to the press.

Europa Press confirms that Atlético’s coach considers Álvarez to still be “in a growth phase” physically and sportingly. The player is indeed included in the squad traveling to Liverpool, but he is expected to start on the bench before being used depending on the match scenario.

An Atlético expected to start without a natural striker at kickoff.

In the absence of a fully operational center forward, Simeone could once again rely on a mobile offensive setup. Álex Baena, Ademola Lookman, Kang-in Lee, and Giuliano Simeone have already been used in advanced roles in recent matches, a solution Atlético might repeat at Anfield.

The Madrid club arrives in England after a heavy 3-0 defeat at Athletic Bilbao’s ground in La Liga.Simeone rejected the idea of a lack of motivation and instead pointed to concentration errors. Against Liverpool, he expects a very intense start in a stadium where Atlético has already experienced several memorable European nights.

Atlético de Madrid confirmed on its official website that the match against Liverpool will kick off on Wednesday at 21 hours at Anfield.