Julian Alvarez
Madrid, Spain – September 27, 2025: La Liga match between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid played in the Spanish capital. Atletico Madrid players. Football derby. EA Sports League.
Arsenal haven’t enjoyed a good run since losing the EFL Cup final to Manchester City in March.
The Gunners lost four of their last seven matches, including in the FA Cup to Southampton and AFC Bournemouth in the league, scoring five goals in the process.
Arsenal managed two wins, one against Newcastle United in the Premier League at the weekend.
The other was against Sporting in the Champions League, courtesy of a late goal from Kai Havertz. This result saw Mikel Arteta’s side make it to the last four of the competition and now face Atlético Madrid.
Diego Simeone’s side host the north London club in the first leg in Madrid on Wednesday.
Mixed injury news to face Arsenal
AS have a report covering the latest on Pablo Barrios and Julián Alvarez and their chances of facing Arsenal.
The 22-year-old midfielder picked up a muscle injury in March and returned to action last week, after spending 39 days on the sidelines.
At the weekend, the Spain international started in his side’s 3-2 win over Athletic Club Bilbao. He had to leave the pitch in the 58th minute due to an injury. Barrios underwent tests and results have shown a muscle injury, forcing him to miss the midweek clash.
Meanwhile, the newspaper state Julián Álvarez ‘is available’ to face the Emirates club on Wednesday.
The Argentina international striker didn’t feature for Los Rojiblancos in the last two league matches. Simeone left him out of the squad in the defeat to Elche CF and the 26-year-old was on the bench against the Basque club.
There’s been some concerns over the former Manchester City man’s involvement against Arsenal. However, AS state he is ‘fine, perfectly fit’ and ready to face the English club.
Dávid Hancko suffered an ankle sprain in the Copa del Rey semifinal tie against Barcelona and hasn’t featured since then. However, he returned to training but is unclear whether he will be in contention for the Champions League clash.
There’s also uncertainty around Ademola Lookman, who picked up an injury in the Copa del Rey final defeat to Real Sociedad.
Arsenal get to watch Álvarez
Last week, Sport Witness covered claims from Spain that Julián Álvarez is handling a firm offer from Arsenal. He’s ready to leave Atlético Madrid and his desire is to join Barcelona.
With the World Cup winner fit for Wednesday’s clash, it’ll allow Mikel Arteta and his side take a closer look at him.
The South American managed 19 goals and nine assists from 47 matches this season.