Atletico Madrid have been dealt a major blow ahead of their clash with Real Sociedad as main striker Julian Alvarez has been ruled out of the squad due to a muscle problem. Diego Simeone's side traveled to San Sebastian without the Argentine, who suffered a strain during training and was forced to withdraw from the session. "Julian will not travel to San Sebastian due to a muscle strain, which forced him to cut off yesterday's training. After the relevant examinations, the medical staff has decided that he cannot participate in today's match", announced Atletico Madrid. The physical problem comes at an unfavorable moment for Alvarez, who had just returned to the starting line-up in the match against Liverpool at "Anfield", where he played the entire 90 minutes. La lista para hoy 📋 pic.twitter.com/aoOYQ6dNFnThe striker had begun to consolidate as one of the players mainstay in Simeone's attacking department, but the latest injury interrupts his pace. The medical staff reacted immediately after the concern in training to prevent the situation from worsening and excluded him from the challenge at "Anoeta". Simeone's options are severely limited. With the Argentine and Sørloth out, Jonathan David remains the only experienced central striker available. The squad that traveled included Musso, Vergas, Mendoza, Johnny, Koke, Han In, Baena, Lookman, Oblak, Marcos Llorente, Arnau Ortiz, Hancko, Marc Pubill, Giuliano Simeone, Cuti Romero, Grimaldo, Hjulmand, Le Normand, Esquivel, Domínguez, Martínez and Castillo. However, the absence e real alternatives in attack remains the main concern. Atletico needs reaction after two consecutive defeats "Los Rojiblancos" enter this match under a lot of pressure after two consecutive defeats, first against Athletic Club in "San Mames" and then against Liverpool in Europe. Atletico need an immediate reaction in order not to lose ground in the competition of the beginning of the season in La Liga. Without his main weapon in attack, Simeone will have to find alternative tactical solutions to break Real Sociedad's defense and end the negative streak. The challenge in San Sebastian is expected to be a difficult test for Atletico, especially now that Julian Alvarez will not be available. /GazetaExpress/

Source: prizrenpost