Julián Álvarez misses Atlético Madrid training due to 'illness'

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Nicol: Atlético need to stop hiding Julián Alvarez (1:01)

Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez missed training on Wednesday due to an illness, according to the club, as the team returned to training following Sunday's 2-2 draw with Villarreal.

That match saw the return of Álvarez to competitive action, coming on in the 66th minute after a prolonged absence following his time with Argentina at the 2026 World Cup.

Álvarez had a challenging evening due to the illness and subsequently missed the training session at the Majadahonda Sports Centre, where Diego Simeone begins preparation for Atlético's next LaLiga match against top of the league Sevilla.

The 26-year-old is expected to be fit for that clash.

He was booed and jeered upon his return by his own fans due to his desire to join Barcelona.

Barcelona offered €100 million ($116m), to be paid in six instalments from early June, was rejected by Atlético, who have invoked the player's €500m ($583m) release clause.

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With one week to go until the transfer window closes, Arsenal's interest in the Argentina forward has been reignited, sources told ESPN, although Atlético have insisted throughout the summer that the striker will remain at the club with his contract running until 2030.

Aside from the Álvarez situation, Alexander Sørloth is a major doubt, having missed both of the opening matches of the season through injury.

He remained training separately from the squad but Obed Vargas, Carlos Martín, Thomas Lemar and José María Giménez all took part in training, all of whom could leave by the end of the transfer window on Sept. 1.

Information from ESPN's Alex Kirkland contributed to this report.