OM – Atlético: Julián Álvarez absent from the Madrid squad

Julián Álvarez will not play Atlético de Madrid's final friendly against OM at the Vélodrome

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OM – Atlético: Julián Álvarez absent from the Madrid squad

14.08.26 11:30 Club Friendlies

Marseille

Atletico Madrid

Julián Álvarez will miss the friendly match against Marseille—a planned absence that is not a disciplinary measure or linked to his future.

Olympique de Marseille will host Atlético de Madrid this Friday at 5:30 p.m. at the Vélodrome. The clash will serve as OM’s final test ahead of the Ligue 1 restart and their home opener against Strasbourg, scheduled for a week later. Diego Simeone has called up a 25-man squad, including eight players from the reserve team.

Our squad traveling to Marseille 📋 pic.twitter.com/Q2wO08NjXI
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) August 14, 2026

A planned absence for Julián Álvarez

Julián Álvarez will not be making the trip to France. Álex Baena, Marcos Llorente, and Juan Musso are also staying in Madrid as they are still regaining match fitness, having only resumed full training this week. Alexander Sørloth, meanwhile, is sidelined with a muscle strain. The absence of the Argentine striker was therefore anticipated and is not related to any transfer speculation or plans for departure.

Lautaro Martínez and Luis Suárez as alternatives

The complexity of the Álvarez situation is forcing FC Barcelona to explore other options. The Catalan board recently met with Alejandro Camaño, agent for Lautaro Martínez, to assess the possibility of signing the Inter Milan captain. However, this deal promises to be just as challenging and expensive as any move for the Atlético forward.

If negotiations for either of the two Argentinians fall through, Barcelona could turn their attention to Luis Javier Suárez. The Colombian striker from Sporting CP, who scored 28 goals in 32 matches last season, is reportedly approved by Hansi Flick. He has now emerged as a serious alternative, though Barça still consider Álvarez their top target.