Simeone: Alvarez to miss LaLiga opener, will not leave Atletico

Atlético Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has confirmed that striker Julián Álvarez will not play in the club's LaLiga season opener against Málaga on August 19, but has emphatically stated the Argentine forward will not be leaving for Barcelona. The decision comes as the 26-year-old's future remains the subject of intense speculation, following his public comments about a desire to join the LaLiga champions.

Simeone addressed the situation in a press conference on August 18, days before the away fixture. He explained the omission from the squad is purely for sporting reasons. "From a sports perspective, we want to look out for the person, the player, so he can continue to uphold his reputation. We don't see him playing in this game," Simeone said. "He needs more practice. He's the best player we have and we're going to try to build a team around him, keeping his level in mind."

The coach indicated that Álvarez, who returned to training last week after summer international duty, could be available for the subsequent home match against Villarreal on August 23. "I hope that over the next four days, he'll be closer to where we want him to be," Simeone added, noting the forward still...