Diego Simeone has expressed confidence that Julian Alvarez and several other injury-hit Atletico Madrid players will be available for the Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal, after a testing first leg at the Metropolitano Stadium ended 1-1 on Wednesday night.
Alvarez, Argentina’s World Cup winner, was forced from the pitch with 13 minutes remaining after sustaining what appeared to be an ankle injury during a challenge involving Arsenal midfielder Eberechi Eze. The forward left visibly distressed, immediately casting doubt over his participation in the return fixture in London.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Simeone was unequivocal in his assessment. “Well, knowing them, they’ll definitely be there on Tuesday,” the Argentine manager stated. “I don’t think there will be anyone that will not be playing on Tuesday.”
Alvarez was not the only Atletico player to leave the contest worse for wear. Giuliano Simeone, the manager’s son, also sustained a knock during the match, while striker Alexander Sorloth did not feature at all, continuing his recovery from an existing injury. The trio represent a significant portion of Atletico’s attacking options ahead of a tie that remains finely balanced.
Simeone offered further clarity on each player’s condition. “I suppose they might be feeling some physical discomfort now,” he said. “Giuliano from a knock, Julian from the fall he had in the middle of the pitch and Sorloth with a hamstring strain, but I have no doubt they’ll be there.”
The 1-1 result at the Metropolitano leaves neither side with a decisive advantage heading into Tuesday’s second leg at the Emirates Stadium. Atletico’s ability to field a fully fit Alvarez — who joined the club from Manchester City in the summer of 2024 in a deal reported to be worth around €115 million — will be central to their prospects of reaching the Champions League final. The 24-year-old has been one of the standout performers in European competition this season.
For Arsenal, manager Mikel Arteta will be aware that the second leg presents a home advantage, with the Emirates expected to provide conditions more suited to his side’s style of play compared to the compact and defensively disciplined environment Atletico created in Madrid. Arteta separately voiced frustration over a penalty awarded to Arsenal during the first leg that was subsequently overturned, a decision he described as “so clear and obvious.”
The outcome of the tie will determine which club advances to the Champions League final. Atletico last reached the final in 2016, when they were beaten on penalties by city rivals Real Madrid in Milan. Arsenal, meanwhile, have not appeared in a European final in the modern Champions League era, making Tuesday’s second leg a significant occasion for both clubs.
The second leg is scheduled for Tuesday at the Emirates Stadium, with the aggregate score level at 1-1 ahead of kick-off.
