Alvarez was initially included in Diego Simeone\u2019s plans for the trip to San Sebastian but was forced to withdraw after sustaining an injury during Saturday\u2019s training session.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Spanish club confirmed the Argentine\u2019s absence following medical tests.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cJulian is not travelling to San Sebasti\u00e1n due to muscle strain, which forced him to withdraw from yesterday\u2019s training session,\u201d Atletico Madrid said in a statement. \u201cAfter the relevant tests, the medical staff have ruled out his participation in today\u2019s match.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The injury comes at a crucial stage for Alvarez, who had recently returned to Simeone\u2019s starting XI. He played the full 90 minutes in Atletico\u2019s Champions League encounter against Liverpool at Anfield last Wednesday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
His latest setback leaves Atletico without one of their key attacking players as they seek to recover from consecutive defeats.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Madrid-based side suffered a defeat to Athletic Club at San Mames before losing to Liverpool in Europe. Simeone\u2019s team are now looking to end that losing run against Real Sociedad.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Alvarez\u2019s absence also compounds the club\u2019s attacking problems. Pablo Barrios and Alexander Sorloth are also unavailable, leaving Simeone with limited options in the forward positions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Atletico will be hoping their available players can step up and help the team return to winning ways at the Reale Arena.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Alvarez\u2019s absence also compounds the club\u2019s attacking problems. Pablo Barrios and Alexander Sorloth are also unavailable, leaving Simeone with limited options in the forward positions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Atletico currently sits eighth in the La Liga points table. They have won two of their four matches and drawn one. The 11-time champions will now look to improve their position when they face Real Sociedad.<\/p>\r\n\r\n