Julián Álvarez to be included in Atlético Madrid squad against Villarreal

Atlético de Madrid coach Diego Simeone has confirmed that Argentine forward Julián Álvarez will be available for selection in the upcoming match against Villarreal. Álvarez was not included in the squad for the previous game against Málaga due to a lack of match fitness, but Simeone stated that the player is now "better" physically.

"Yes. He is going to be in the squad," Simeone revealed during his pre-match press conference on Saturday, following the team's morning training session. Álvarez joined Atlético on August 10 but was sidelined for the team's 2-0 victory over Málaga in their league opener.

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Yes. He is going to be in the squad.

Despite reported interest from Barcelona, Atlético Madrid has consistently maintained that Álvarez is not for sale, pointing to his substantial 500 million euro release clause. Club CEO Miguel Ángel Gil reiterated this stance, emphasizing the player's importance to the team's competitive ambitions in Europe. Gil suggested that Álvarez may not have had the best professional guidance in recent months.

Álvarez himself had expressed a desire to leave the club back on June 22, during the World Cup. However, Atlético's firm position, backed by his release clause, signals their intent to keep the player. Simeone's comments indicate that the club plans to integrate Álvarez back into the team, aiming to utilize his full potential as they compete at the highest level.

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We are going to help Julián and continue to take care of him so that he can give us his full potential, because we need him to continue competing among the great teams in Europe. We must understand that Julián has not had the best advisors regarding his professional career in recent months.