Julian Alvarez: Why Arsenal transfer target is not in Atletico Madrid squad today

Atletico begin their league campaign at home to Malaga - back in Spanish football’s top tier for the first time since 2018 - on Wednesday night, seeking to make a winning start.However, they will have to break down the newly-promoted side without their top scorer from last season as Alvarez is unavailable for selection."We don’t believe Julian Alvarez is in the right condition to play or take part for tomorrow’s game,” Simeone explained to reporters on Tuesday."Hopefully, over these next four days, he’ll make further progress and we’ll be closer to where we want him to be.“We’re looking after both the person and the player, and we understand that he is not in the right condition to play in this match."After facing Malaga, Atletico are next in action against Villarreal on Sunday and then take on Sevilla in the last fixture before the summer transfer window closes.Despite links to Arsenal as well as Barcelona, Simeone has reiterated his belief that Alvarez will still be an Atletico Madrid player come September 2.“If the club owner has spoken so categorically, then there’s nothing more to say,” the Argentine added.“It’s like when you go to court, that’s it, there’s nothing more to it.”