Manager also backs Giuliano Simeone and Alexander Sorloth to participate at the Emirates next week
Diego Simeone is confident Julian Alvarez will be available for Atletico Madrid’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal, despite the forward going off with what appeared to be a knee discomfort in the first leg.
Alvarez was arguably his side’s most potent threat in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw at the Metropolitano, scoring their equaliser from the penalty spot to cancel out an earlier goal from Viktor Gyokeres. The Argentine striker was later forced off in the 77th minute after a series of challenges left him with knee discomfort and struggling to move freely.
The forward’s goal took him to 10 in this season’s Champions League, making him the first Atletico player to reach double figures in a single campaign in the competition.
“He’ll undergo a test to see what he has,” Simeone said. “We hope it isn’t much. I’m always optimistic.”
Atletico also have other injury concerns. Giuliano Simeone was substituted at half-time after sustaining a knock, while Alexander Sorloth did not feature after experiencing discomfort during the warm-up.
“Knowing the players, they’ll all be there [in London] on Tuesday,” Simeone said. “Giuliano with his knock, Julian with the issue he had. As for Alex Sorloth, he has a muscle strain. I have no doubt that on Tuesday, they’ll be there.”
Atletico have made the Champions League final twice under Simeone and have a chance to make a third appearance under the Argentinian. The club have never won the competition and there was visible excitement and hope all round at the Metropolitano on Wednesday.
“I can’t remember many times that we’ve had an atmosphere like we had here at the start of this game,” said Simeone. “In the first half, they were better, but there weren’t many shots on goal.
“In the second half we adjusted. [Arsenal] looked a bit tired from so many games, so much responsibility. They’re top of the Premier League, they need to win the Champions League, all of that.
“We couldn’t get the goal that would give us an advantage, and we have an extraordinary challenge ahead of us in London.”
