Julian Alvarez Ruled Out of Atletico Madrid's Trip to Real Sociedad

Atletico Madrid will be without star striker Julian Alvarez for their La Liga trip to Real Sociedad after the forward picked up a muscle strain. The Argentine was forced to withdraw from the squad following a fitness setback at training, according to Marca.

The club confirmed the news in a statement on social media. "Julián is not traveling to San Sebastián due to muscle strain, which forced him to withdraw from yesterday's training session," the statement read. "After the relevant tests, the medical staff have ruled out his participation in today's match."

The blow comes at a bad time for Diego Simeone's side, who are chasing a response after back-to-back defeats against Athletic Club and Liverpool and are desperate to arrest a worrying dip in form.

It is also a frustrating setback for Alvarez himself, who had just worked his way back into the starting eleven, playing the full 90 minutes against Liverpool at Anfield last Wednesday. Medical staff moved quickly to manage the injury and avoid any longer-term damage, but it means a sudden halt to his recent run of games.

His absence leaves Atletico short in attack. Alvarez joins Pablo Barrios and Alexander Sørloth on the injury list, meaning Jonathan David is now the only recognised senior striker in the travelling squad.

Simeone named an extended group for the trip, including Musso, Vergas, Mendoza, Johnny, Koke, Han In, Baena, Lookman, Oblak, Marcos Llorente, Arnau Ortiz, Hancko, Marc Pubill, Giuliano Simeone, Cuti Romero, Grimaldo, Hjulmand, Le Normand, Esquivel, Domínguez, Martínez and Castillo, but attacking options remain thin without Alvarez, Barrios and Sørloth.

La lista para hoy 📋 pic.twitter.com/aoOYQ6dNFn

— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) September 13, 2026

Atletico know a positive result is badly needed. Two straight defeats have put pressure on Simeone to find a way to cope without his main attacking outlet, and ending the losing run at Anoeta will take a big team effort from those available.