Atletico Madrid star Alvarez is ruled out on injury. Image: Fabrizio Romano shared via X.
(The Post News)– Atletico Madrid will be without forward Julian Alvarez when they face Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday night in the UEFA Champions League group stage. The Argentine striker is still recovering from the discomfort that forced him off in last weekend’s clash with Villarreal.
Alvarez, 25, was substituted in the second half of Atletico’s 2-1 win on Saturday after experiencing muscle tightness. Despite early hopes that he might feature, the club’s medical staff have opted against risking him in midweek. “Julian is progressing well but will not be risked for Liverpool; we expect him to return to full training later this week,” Atletico confirmed in a statement on Tuesday.
Alvarez’s Absence Poses as a Setbackfor Simeone
Alvarez’s absence is a setback for head coach Diego Simeone, who has relied on the former Manchester City forward’s pressing intensity and creative spark to help Atletico maintain a strong start to the domestic campaign. His energy and ability to stretch defenses were seen as a crucial asset against Liverpool’s high-tempo style. Without Alvarez, the attacking responsibility will rest heavily on Alvaro Morata and Antoine Griezmann, while young winger Samuel Lino could be given a bigger role on the flanks.
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool head into the clash unbeaten at Anfield this season, with Mohamed Salah continuing his prolific scoring form and Darwin Nunez adding physicality and directness up front. Their pressing game, combined with midfield dynamism from Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister, is expected to test Atletico’s compact defensive setup.
The matchup adds another chapter to what has become a fascinating Champions League rivalry over the last five years. Atletico Madrid famously eliminated Liverpool in the 2020 Round of 16, with Marcos Llorente scoring twice in extra time at Anfield to knock out the then-reigning European champions.
Liverpool, however, struck back in the 2021/22 group stage, beating Atletico 2-0 at Anfield and 3-2 in Madrid thanks to Salah’s double. The head-to-head record remains finely balanced, with Simeone’s men traditionally making life difficult for Klopp’s side through disciplined defending and counter-attacking precision.
The clash at 21:00 CET (20:00 BST) could prove decisive in shaping the group’s outcome. Both teams are targeting early momentum in their European campaigns, and with qualification spots often determined by narrow margins, the Anfield result may carry significant weight later in the tournament.
Alvarez’s absence is an unwelcome blow to Atletico, and Liverpool represents an opportunity to take control of their group in front of a home crowd eager to relive the drama of one of Europe’s most compelling recent rivalries.
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