Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez has been left out of the squad for the club’s friendly against Marseille amid growing uncertainty over his future.
The Argentine’s omission comes as Barcelona reportedly show interest in signing the 26-year-old forward.
According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Alvarez’s absence from the squad was expected as he has completed only five days of physical training with Atletico.
The report also claims that Alvarez is keen to leave Atletico and is interested in a move to Barcelona.
Alvarez reportedly met with Atletico head coach Diego Simeone on Wednesday, with the striker said to have expressed his reluctance to continue at the club.
His representatives have also requested an urgent meeting with Atletico chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, who was reportedly away from Madrid.
Alvarez is among several players who will miss the Marseille friendly after only recently returning to pre-season preparations.
Rodrigo De Paul, Marcos Llorente and Juan Musso are also not expected to travel, while Alexander Sørloth remains sidelined with an injury.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Alvarez’s future, Simeone is reportedly still counting on the Argentine as Atletico’s main striker.
Attention will now turn to Atletico’s La Liga opener against Malaga on August 19, with the club’s returning international players potentially involved if they are deemed fit.
News Credit to our media partner The Eagle Online .
