Atletico Madrid Travels to Sevilla Without Key Players, 'Cuti' Romero Included

Atletico Madrid is set to face Sevilla at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán stadium with a significantly depleted squad. Notably absent from the traveling party are Julián Álvarez, Alexander Sorloth, Robin Le Normand, Obed Vargas, and Thomas Lemar, impacting Diego Simeone's options for the crucial match.

The absence of Julián Álvarez is attributed to an indisposition that has kept him out of training for three days. While he trained alone on Friday afternoon, his availability for the match remains in question. His future at the club is also a subject of speculation, with the transfer window closing in four days. Despite his desire to move to Barcelona, which appears unlikely, he must decide whether to stay at Atletico, where both Simeone and the club reportedly count on him until 2030, or seek a move elsewhere, with Arsenal being a potential, albeit costly, option.

Further complicating matters, Obed Vargas and Thomas Lemar have not been included in any squad lists this season due to technical decisions by the coach. Alexander Sorloth is sidelined with an injury, and Robin Le Normand is suspended, adding to the list of unavailable players. These absences mean Simeone has called up four players from the youth categories to supplement the senior squad.

Despite the challenges, the inclusion of Cristian 'Cuti' Romero in the squad marks his debut since joining the team two weeks ago. The full squad list comprises 24 players, including goalkeepers Jan Oblak, Juan Musso, and Salvador Esquivel; defenders José María Giménez, Marc Pubill, Marcos Llorente, David Hancko, Alejandro Grimaldo, Cuti Romero, Dani Martínez, and Jorge Domínguez; midfielders Rodrigo Mendoza, Johnny Cardoso, Koke Resurrección, Pablo Barrios, Álex Baena, Jorge Castillo, and Morten Hjulmand; wingers Giuliano Simeone, Arnau Ortiz, and Carlos Martín; and forwards Miguel Cubo, Ademola Lookman, and Kang-in Lee.