Simeone: Alvarez fit for Arsenal CL semi second leg

Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone expressed confidence that star forward Julian Alvarez will be fit for the Champions League semifinal second leg against Arsenal after the Argentina international suffered an injury scare in Wednesday night's 1-1 first-leg draw at the Metropolitano Stadium.

Alvarez, who has scored 20 goals across all competitions this season including a record 10 in the Champions League, leveled the score in the second half with a penalty kick awarded after a VAR-reviewed handball by Arsenal's Ben White. Viktor Gyokeres had earlier put Arsenal ahead from the spot following Alvarez's loss of possession in buildup play. The 26-year-old forward, starting after a rest in Atlético's prior league win, was substituted late in the match around the 77th minute after appearing to injure his ankle in a challenge.

Simeone downplayed concerns during his postmatch news conference. "I don't think there will be anyone that will not be playing on Tuesday," he said, referring to the return leg at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium. He attributed Alvarez's issue to a fall on the pitch, adding that teammate Giuliano Simeone sustained a knock while Alexander Sorloth remained sidelined...