Alvarez left out of Atletico squad for Marseille friendly

Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez has been left out of the squad for the club’s friendly against Marseille amid growing uncertainty over his future and reported interest from Barcelona.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Alvarez’s omission was expected as the Argentine has only completed five days of physical training with Atletico.

The report also claims Alvarez is keen to leave Atletico and is interested in a move to Barcelona.

Alvarez reportedly met with head coach Diego Simeone on Wednesday, with the striker said to have expressed his reluctance to continue at the club. His representatives have also requested an urgent meeting with Atletico chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, who was reportedly away from Madrid.

The Argentine is among several players who will miss the Marseille clash after only recently returning to preseason preparations. Rodrigo De Paul, Marcos Llorente and Juan Musso are also not expected to travel, while Alexander Sørloth remains sidelined with an injury.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Alvarez, Simeone is reportedly still counting on the 26-year-old as Atletico’s main striker.

Attention will now turn to Atletico’s La Liga opener against Malaga on August 19, when the club’s returning international players could be involved if they are deemed fit.