Diego Simeone has promised to make every possible effort to ensure Julian Alvarez feels valued at Atletico Madrid once the forward resumes training, as questions remain about his future with the Spanish side.
Atletico have made it clear that they are unwilling to sell Alvarez to Barcelona, potentially leaving Arsenal as the striker’s only realistic route away from the club.
Simeone confirmed that Alvarez will not make the trip for Saturday’s La Liga fixture at Sevilla because he is currently unwell. The forward missed training for a third successive day on Friday.
“When he is able to train again, I will do all I can to ensure he understands how important he is,” Atletico coach Simeone said.
When asked if the circumstances involving Alvarez could change, Simeone replied: “If you have your health, any situation in life can be transformed.”
The Spanish club issued two statements within 24 hours this week, repeating that Alvarez would not be allowed to complete his desired move to Barcelona in the near future.
Simeone acknowledged why Alvarez was the main subject of his media conference but maintained that Atletico had already communicated their position firmly and unambiguously.
“My view has not changed. From a football perspective, I hope to support him as effectively as possible so that he can remain the hugely influential player he has been for us,” Simeone said.
“Julian will miss Saturday’s match against Sevilla, a team arriving with plenty of belief after winning its previous two games.”
Norway striker Alexander Sorloth is also sidelined through injury, meaning Atletico will be without two of their attacking choices.
“Losing Sorloth is a major setback because he plays a crucial role for us,” Simeone said.
“His absence becomes even more significant given the circumstances around Julian. We must work as a group to create answers, score and secure victory. We are helping the players understand that responsibility and will look to improve collectively.”
Simeone dismissed suggestions that the ongoing doubts about Alvarez might have a negative influence on the rest of the squad.
“Not at all,” he said. “The players have trained extremely well, particularly those who were at the World Cup. We produced strong displays against Malaga and Villarreal, and our attention is now on delivering another good performance against Sevilla.”
New centre-back Cristian Romero, who completed a 40m-euro (£34.2m) summer transfer from Tottenham to Atletico, will be included in the travelling squad for Sevilla. However, Simeone said: “He requires time to reach his highest level. We will not hurry that process, because we want him to feel fully prepared to perform to the standard expected of him.”
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