Diego Simeone Provides Julian Alvarez Injury Update After First Leg Vs Arsenal

Atlético stars facing race against time

Alvarez was not the only casualty on a bruising night in the Spanish capital, as the hosts count the cost of a physical encounter. 

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Giuliano Simeonecame off with a knock, whileAlexander Sorlothdidn’t feature at all as he recovers from an injury issue.

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Simeone elaborated on the specific nature of the complaints, stating: “I suppose they might be feeling some physical discomfort now.Giulianofrom a knock, Julian from the fall he had in the middle of the pitch and Sorloth with a hamstring strain, but I have no doubt they’ll be there.”

Off-pitch drama surrounds semifinal tie

The match itself was preceded by significant tension between the two camps regarding the condition of the playing surface. 

In what has been described as a ‘grass war’,Arsenal reportedly requested a formal UEFA inspection of the height of the grassjust hours before kick-off, fearing Simeone’s side were looking to slow down their passing game.

The tactical battle continued on the field, whereViktor Gyokeresput the Gunners ahead from the penalty spot. 

Alvarez eventually leveled the scores with his own clinical spot-kick, though his evening ended prematurely following the collision with Eze.

Second leg finely poised for London

With the tie firmly on a knife-edge at 1-1, Atlético face a quick turnaround before they head to north London. 

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They are scheduled to face Valencia inLa Ligaon Saturday, a game that will likely see Simeone rotate his squad to protect those carrying knocks. 

The priority remains ensuring that Alvarez, Giuliano, and Sorloth are at 100 percent for the return leg.

As the Gunners prepare to host Atlético on a surface that Mikel Arteta hopes will be more conducive to his side’s style, the fitness of Alvarez remains the biggest talking point. 

Should the 26-year-old be fit to start as Simeone predicts, he will remain the primary threat to Arsenal’s hopes of reaching their firstChampions Leaguefinal since 2006.