News Focus
- Julian Alvarez is ready to take a pain-killing injection to play against Arsenal
- The Atletico Madrid forward twisted his ankle during the first leg last week
- The Champions League semi-final second leg stands at 1-1 after the match in Madrid
- Diego Simeone faces fitness concerns over several key attackers
- Antoine Griezmann is expected to start but may not last extra time
Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez is ready to take a pain-killing injection so he can face Arsenal. The Argentine forward badly wants to play in the Champions League semi-final second leg on Tuesday night.
Alvarez hurt his ankle during the first leg in Madrid last week. That match ended 1-1. He did not feature at the weekend against Valencia. Manager Diego Simeone rested many players for the 2-0 victory, but Alvarez stayed out because of his twisted ankle.
On Monday, the 26-year-old trained at the Emirates Stadium. He started by running alone before joining the rest of the squad. Reports from Spain say he is not fully fit. However, the World Cup winner is desperate to help his side reach the final.
Spanish newspapers Diario AS, Mundo Deportivo and Marca all report that Alvarez is willing to play through pain. He is ready to take an injection to stop the discomfort. This shows how much the match means to him, even with the World Cup taking place later this year.
Simeone has other problems in attack. Winger Giuliano Simeone and striker Alexander Sorloth are also available but not at 100 per cent fitness. Sorloth missed the first leg with muscle problems, while Simeone Junior was taken off at half-time. Both trained and should be in the squad.
In defence, Jose Maria Gimenez has returned after a month out, but he will not feature against the Gunners. Midfielders Pablo Barrios and Nicolas Gonzalez are the only players who will definitely miss the match.
Antoine Griezmann is likely to lead the line from the start. However, the French veteran does not have the energy to play 120 minutes. Simeone must manage his substitutions carefully if the tie goes to extra time.