Atletico Madrid will face Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals second leg on Tuesday, May 5. Ahead of the game, the Spanish giants are sweating over the fitness of striker Julian Alvarez.
The two sides faced off at Riyadh Air Metropolitano in the first leg of the semi-finals on Wednesday. It ended in a 1-1 draw, with both sides scoring a penalty each. However, Alvarez, who scored for Atletico, was subbed off in the 77th minute due to an ankle injury.
Giuliano Simeone and Alexander Sorloth were also subbed off due to an injury. Diego Simeone, however, has said that all three players would be available for their second-leg Champions League clash against Arsenal. He said (h/t Metro):
"Well, knowing them, they’ll definitely be there on Tuesday. don’t think there will be anyone that will not be playing on Tuesday. I suppose they might be feeling some physical discomfort now. Giuliano from a knock, Julian from the fall he had in the middle of the pitch and Sorloth with a hamstring strain, but I have no doubt they’ll be there."
Alvarez has been a crucial player for Atletico Madrid, scoring 20 goals and providing nine assists in 48 games across competitions this season.
Diego Simeone named Champions League rivals Arsenal among clubs interested in Julian Alvarez
Ahead of their Champions League clash against Arsenal on Wednesday, Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone spoke about Julian Alvarez's future. He named multiple clubs interested in signing him this summer. He said (h/t Fotmob):
“I’m not in Julián Alvarez’s head. I suppose that’s just normal. He is an extraordinary player. There’s interest from Arsenal, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and other teams. But there is nothing to be concerned about.”
Alvarez joined Atletico Madrid from Manchester City for a reported fee of €75 million plus €20 million add-ons. He has scored 49 goals and provided 17 assists in 105 games, but has yet to win a major trophy with them.
The 26-year-old striker also scored against Arsenal in their Champions League semi-finals first-leg clash on Wednesday. Viktor Gyokeres gave the visitors the lead from the penalty spot in the 44th minute. However, Alvarez restored parity in the 56th minute.
The Gunners will next face Fulham at the Emirates in the Premier League on Saturday. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid will face Valencia at the Mestalla that day. The two sides will then face off for a place in the Champions League final against either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).