Julián Álvarez is expected to miss Atlético Madrid's midweek game against Osasuna as he continues to recover from a muscular overload, but the injury is not believed to be serious. The current target is for the Argentina forward to return for the Madrid derby against Real Madrid on September 20, provided he responds well to treatment during the week.
Álvarez was left out of Atlético's 3-0 victory over Real Sociedad after feeling discomfort towards the end of training. Medical checks subsequently ruled out a more significant muscle injury, giving Diego Simeone hope that one of his most important attacking players will not be absent for long.
What injury does Julián Álvarez have?
Atlético described the problem as a muscular overload, with reports in Spain placing the discomfort around the quadriceps area. Álvarez was forced to stop during training before the Real Sociedad match and did not travel to San Sebastián after being assessed by the club's medical staff.
The distinction between an overload and a muscle tear is important. Atlético have not reported a tear or more serious structural damage, which is why the expectation is that Álvarez could return relatively quickly rather than face several weeks on the sidelines.
The club nevertheless has little incentive to rush him back. Muscle overloads can become more serious injuries if a player returns before the area has fully recovered, particularly during a period when Atlético have several matches packed into a short space of time.
Will Julián Álvarez play against Osasuna?
Álvarez is not expected to feature against Osasuna. He remained away from full team training at the start of the week, and reports in Spain suggest Atlético are prepared to give him additional recovery time rather than risk aggravating the problem for the sake of one match.
That makes particular sense because Atlético face Real Madrid only a few days later. Simeone's side have already had to deal with several attacking and midfield injuries, with Alexander Sørloth and Pablo Barrios among the other players recently unavailable.
Jonathan David's goal against Real Sociedad also gives Simeone another recognised option through the middle. Atlético therefore have more reason to protect Álvarez now if doing so improves his chances of being available for the derby.
When will Julián Álvarez return?
The Madrid derby on September 20 is currently the most realistic target. Reports following his medical tests indicated that Álvarez would work throughout the week with the aim of being ready to face Real Madrid at the Metropolitano, although his availability will ultimately depend on how the muscle responds.
That does not mean his return is guaranteed. Atlético will continue to assess him in training, and even if Álvarez is included in the squad, Simeone will have to decide whether he is ready to start or whether a place on the bench would be the safer option.
For supporters checking when Álvarez will be back, the key point is that this currently looks like a short-term problem rather than a long lay-off. Unless there is a setback, he should be back around the derby rather than towards the end of the month.
Why Atlético will not want to take any risks
Álvarez has already had an interrupted start to the season and only recently completed his first full match of the campaign in the Champions League against Liverpool. He had started to regain rhythm after an unsettled summer, making another muscular issue particularly frustrating for both the player and Simeone.
The schedule makes the decision even more delicate. Atlético need points in La Liga, but the derby against Real Madrid carries obvious sporting and emotional importance, and Álvarez remains one of the players most capable of deciding that type of game.
Simeone's priority will therefore be to get him back at full speed rather than simply make him available as quickly as possible. A few extra days of recovery now could be far more valuable than bringing him back early against Osasuna and risking a more serious setback.
Who can replace Álvarez?
Jonathan David is the most obvious central option and strengthened his case by scoring against Real Sociedad. Atlético also have Ademola Lookman and other attacking players who can operate around the striker, allowing Simeone to adjust the shape without asking Álvarez to play before he is ready.
The depth is particularly useful while Sørloth remains unavailable. Atlético's attack has been disrupted by fitness problems early in the campaign, but David's start gives Simeone an alternative while the club waits for Álvarez to return.
For now, the situation is relatively straightforward: Álvarez is expected to sit out the Osasuna match, continue individual recovery work and then be assessed ahead of the derby. If there are no complications, September 20 should be the date Atlético supporters circle for his return.
Published by Patrick Jane
15.09.2026