Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has pledged to "do everything" he can to make Julian Alvarez "feel important" at the club when the forward returns to training. This comes as uncertainty continues over Alvarez's situation, with Atletico Madrid having made it clear they will not sell him to Barcelona.
Simeone confirmed that Alvarez will not travel with the team for Saturday's La Liga game at Sevilla, citing the player's current ill health. Alvarez has missed his third consecutive training session on Friday.
The La Liga club has released two public statements this week, reiterating their position that Alvarez will not be granted his wish to join Barcelona. Simeone stated he understood the questions about Alvarez but insisted the club had been "forceful and clear" on the matter.
The absence of Alvarez, along with injured striker Alexander Sorloth, leaves Atletico without two attacking options for the upcoming match. New defender Cristian Romero, who joined from Tottenham for 40m euros (£34.2m) this summer, will travel with the squad but Simeone noted he needs time to find his best form.