Julian Alvarez Returns to Atletico Madrid Squad for Villarreal Match

Diego Simeone is bringing Julian Alvarez back into the fold – and drawing a firm line in the sand around his striker.

The Atletico Madrid coach confirmed on Saturday that the Argentina international will return to the matchday squad for Sunday’s La Liga clash with Villarreal, after sitting out the opening win over Malaga.

“Yes, he's going to be included in the squad list tomorrow and he's doing better,” Simeone told reporters.

Alvarez has been working his way back to full fitness after an extended post-World Cup break and was not involved in Wednesday’s victory.

He is returning to a club that knows exactly how badly he wanted to leave this summer. Atletico rejected bids from both Barcelona and Real Madrid, blocking his exit despite the player’s desire to move on. The tension has not gone unnoticed in the stands.

Atletico fans turned on Alvarez during the Malaga game, with sections of the support aiming insulting chants at the forward. The reception on Sunday is likely to be hostile again, but Simeone is not backing away from his No. 9.

“Obviously, he's still getting up to speed, like all his teammates,” the coach said, before making his position crystal clear on the abuse. “Obviously I don't share in any insults or slights. Let that be absolutely clear.

“Julian is a hugely important player for achieving the goals we have as a team. We need him, we're going to look after him.

“That's from a sporting standpoint, and we're going to stand by him. Why? Because he's our player, and as long as there are players at Atletico Madrid who are mine, I'm going to look after them.”

The message is blunt: Alvarez stays, and Simeone will protect him.

On the other side of the transfer tug-of-war, Barcelona are keeping their cards close to their chest. Asked repeatedly on Saturday whether the Spanish champions had finally abandoned their pursuit of Alvarez, coach Hansi Flick refused to be drawn in, insisting he would not talk about players from other clubs.

So Alvarez walks back into the Atletico dressing room with his future technically settled, his coach firmly in his corner, and a fanbase ready to judge his every touch. How he responds now will shape far more than just one afternoon against Villarreal.