With Diego Simeone forced to rethink his plans just hours before one of the biggest fixtures of the opening round. 😰🔥
The Spanish side arrive in England looking to make a statement in Europe, but their preparations have been far from perfect. Atletico suffered a damaging 3-0 defeat to Athletic Club in La Liga at the weekend, and their attacking options have now been hit by further setbacks.
Alexander Sorloth is unavailable after suffering a muscle injury, while new signing Jonathan David has also been ruled out after arriving at the club carrying an existing fitness problem. That leaves Simeone with fewer natural attacking options than he would have wanted for a trip to Anfield.
And then comes the biggest concern.
Julian Alvarez is not expected to start.
Simeone confirmed that the Argentine forward is still building up his fitness and does not believe he is ready to begin the match. Alvarez can still be used during the game, but Atletico may have to wait before unleashing one of their most dangerous attacking weapons. 😳⚠️
That is a huge blow considering Alvarez’s record in the Champions League.
Last season, the Argentine was one of Atletico’s standout performers in Europe, scoring 10 goals and providing five assists across 15 Champions League appearances. He found the net against some of the continent’s biggest clubs and repeatedly showed that he can produce when the pressure is at its highest. 🔥🏆
Now Simeone may have to rely on other attacking options from the beginning at Anfield.
There is another complication too.
Arnau Ortiz will miss the game through suspension, with his European ban dating back to a red card picked up while playing for Slask Wroclaw in 2024. His absence further reduces Simeone’s options for the Champions League opener.
For Liverpool, this could be a major opportunity.
Andoni Iraola’s side will enter the match after a confidence-boosting 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town, while new signing Bradley Barcola is in contention for his first Liverpool start at Anfield. Joe Gomez has also returned to training, giving the Reds another defensive option.
Liverpool are not completely without problems, though.
Cody Gakpo missed the latest training session after experiencing muscular tightness and remains a doubt for the Champions League encounter. The Dutchman has been one of Liverpool’s most impressive attackers during Iraola’s opening games, contributing one goal and three assists in the Premier League. 😬🔴
So both teams have reasons to worry, but Atletico’s attacking situation could be particularly significant.
Simeone is preparing for a hostile Anfield atmosphere, a Liverpool side desperate to make a strong Champions League statement and a match where every mistake could be punished.
And if Alvarez cannot provide his usual threat from the opening whistle, Liverpool may sense blood. 👀🔥
Atletico have already suffered a difficult start domestically.
Now they must survive Anfield.
Will Liverpool take advantage of Atletico Madrid’s injury problems, or will Simeone’s men produce another classic European performance when nobody expects them
