Julian Alvarez is set to return for Atletico Madrid in the first derby against Real Madrid of the season, although Diego Simeone has yet to decide whether the forward will start or come off the bench.
Alvarez has been the subject of a difficult period at Atletico after his public attempts to leave the club during the summer. Supporters have booed him during his appearances, while he was left out of the squad for the team’s last two matches.
Julian Alvarez set to feature in Madrid derby
Simeone confirmed that the Argentina international would be involved when he addressed the media ahead of the Madrid derby.
“He will be with us. We will decide whether he starts the match from the beginning or comes on in the second half,” the Atletico manager said.
The decision comes with both sides under pressure to build momentum early in the campaign, particularly with Barcelona having made a strong start. Atletico have opted to retain Alvarez and are now attempting to reintegrate him into the team despite the tension surrounding his future.
His return to the squad will place the focus firmly on how he is received by the Atletico supporters and whether he can make an impact against Real Madrid.
