Atletico Madrid will travel to Anfield without their star forward Julian Alvarez, who has been ruled out of Wednesday night’s Champions League clash against Liverpool. The 25-year-old Argentine, named Atletico’s Player of the Season in 2024/25 after scoring 29 goals in 57 matches, picked up a knee injury in the weekend win over Villarreal and has not recovered in time.
Alvarez was withdrawn at half-time in that match, sparking immediate concerns. While there was initial hope that it may have been precautionary, Diego Simeone’s official 22-man squad list confirmed his absence on Tuesday. It is a significant blow for Los Rojiblancos, who had been counting on the former Manchester City striker’s pressing, creativity, and clinical finishing to trouble the Premier League champions.
Liverpool, ironically, had previously considered Alvarez as a transfer target in recent windows. Instead, they will now face Simeone’s side without having to deal with one of Europe’s most in-form forwards.
Atletico’s Injury Problems Deepen
The bad news does not stop with Alvarez. Atletico will also be without several other first-team players:
- Jose Maria Gimenez, sidelined with a muscle problem.
- Thiago Almada, who has not been deemed fit enough to travel.
- Alex Baena, absent through injury.
- Johnny Cardoso, nursing an ankle sprain.
Meanwhile, Robin Le Normand, David Hancko, and Nico Gonzalez were all forced off during the Villarreal game. Although they have been included in the travelling squad, late fitness tests could determine their availability. Hancko in particular is expected to miss out after limping off just minutes after being introduced at the weekend.
This leaves Simeone with a depleted group. While Atletico are renowned for their resilience and depth, missing so many key players inevitably reduces their attacking options and overall balance. The responsibility for carrying the threat at Anfield will likely fall to Antoine Griezmann and Alvaro Morata, with Alexander Sorloth, fresh from a 41-goal campaign, also expected to shoulder some of the burden.
Liverpool Enter in Good Shape
In contrast, Liverpool head into the fixture in relatively strong health. Arne Slot’s men have already shown encouraging signs this season and arrive with momentum. With five fixtures crammed into just over two weeks, squad rotation will be key, but the Reds’ depth looks far stronger than their opponents.
Andy Robertson is pushing for a start at left-back, having returned from injury, while right-back options include both Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley. In midfield, there is optimism that Alexis Mac Allister will be available despite picking up a knock in the victory at Burnley. Further forward, new arrival Alexander Isak could make his long-awaited Champions League debut, adding another layer of intrigue for home supporters.
The Reds are almost at full strength, with only Curtis Jones and Stefan Bajcetic unavailable. Given their depth and attacking options, Liverpool are well positioned to exploit Atletico’s weakened line-up.
Tactical Implications of Alvarez’s Absence
Alvarez’s absence changes the dynamics of the contest. Simeone relies heavily on the Argentine’s ability to press from the front, stretch defenses, and create space for Griezmann. Without him, Atletico may be forced to alter their approach, perhaps relying more on compact defending and counter-attacks through Morata or Depay, if fit to feature.
For Liverpool, the absence of Alvarez removes one of the players most capable of punishing them in transitions — an area where Atletico have often excelled in Europe. Matches between these two clubs have been decided by narrow margins in recent years, with Atletico eliminating Liverpool in 2020 before the Reds claimed revenge in 2021. Alvarez’s energy and goalscoring threat would have been central to Simeone’s game plan, and without him, the Spanish side lose a vital edge.
Atletico Madrid‘s full team which will be traveling to Liverpool down below:
The Anfield Factor
Anfield has long been a decisive stage on European nights, and this clash is no different. With Liverpool supporters in full voice, the Reds will look to impose themselves early and take advantage of Atletico’s selection issues. Opta’s prediction model already has Liverpool as one of the favourites to win the Champions League, and a strong start against a depleted Atletico could underline that status.
Still, Simeone’s teams are not to be underestimated. Known for their discipline, defensive organisation, and ability to frustrate opponents, Atletico will look to dig deep and rely on Griezmann’s leadership to inspire another resilient performance.
The Bigger Picture
This fixture kicks off Liverpool’s Champions League campaign and tests how Slot’s side cope with a demanding September schedule. For Atletico, it is a chance to prove their trademark resilience despite being shorn of several key players.
While Alvarez’s absence may shift expectations in Liverpool’s favour, Simeone’s sides have built their reputation on thriving in adversity. The Argentine coach will demand work rate and collective spirit to make up for missing quality.
For Liverpool, though, this is a golden opportunity. With their squad almost at full strength and an opponent weakened by injuries, anything less than a commanding display at Anfield would be seen as a missed chance.
