Simeone rules out Alvarez as Atlético face Valencia in ‘important’ tilt
He insists the team is focused on their league fixture
MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 29: Diego Pablo Simeone, head coach of Atletico de Madrid, gestures during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Semi Final First Leg match between Atletico de Madrid and Arsenal FC at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on April 29, 2026, in Madrid, Spain. (Photo By Irina R. Hipolito/Europa Press via Getty Images) | Europa Press via Getty Images Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone played down talk of distractions as he insisted that his side were taking fixtures one game at a time ahead of Saturday’s visit to Valencia in LaLiga.
Simeone rejected claims that he would rest key players, even with one eye on Tuesday’s Champions League semifinal second leg against Arsenal. “It’s clear that, regardless of if there is a match on Tuesday, Julián Alvarez probably wouldn’t have been ready for Saturday, Sørloth wouldn’t have been ready for Saturday, Giuliano wouldn’t have been ready for Saturday, Barrios wouldn’t have been ready for Saturday, Josema Giménez wouldn’t have been ready for Saturday, so I don’t think I’m forgetting anyone else,” Simeone responded. “It’s more than clear that we’re going to field the players who are in the best shape to compete tomorrow.
” 🚨🇦🇷 JUST IN: Julián Alvarez's tests have confirmed that he has suffered a low-grade ankle sprain following the match against Arsenal. Barring any setback, he is expected to be available for the second leg in London. @carrusel pic.
twitter. com/KvzVZsrpWP — Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) April 30, 2026 Diego Simeone on the focus shifting to Valencia “We’re thinking about tomorrow’s match, about how important it is to try to catch up to Villarreal, who are ahead of us, and obviously to play a crucial match against a team that needs points, one that will be playing under the pressure of its fans and with the intensity that Valencia has shown since their coach arrived. I can’t think about any other match than that.