Simeone Backs Julián Álvarez for Top-of-the-Table Barcelona Clash

Julián Álvarez is set to face Barcelona on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET after Atlético Madrid rejected a €100 million summer bid for the forward.

Julián Álvarez is prepared to start for Atlético Madrid against Barcelona this Sunday at 3 p.m. ET in a meeting between LaLiga’s top two teams. The 26-year-old forward has started Atlético's last four matches and scored two goals during that span. Barcelona currently leads the table with 30 points from 11 games, while Atlético sits in second place with 28 points, trailing by only two points entering the match at the Metropolitano.

Diego Simeone confirmed Saturday that the Argentina international is "doing very good" ahead of his first meeting with the Catalan club since a failed summer transfer. Álvarez requested a move to Barcelona in June, but Atlético Madrid officials refused to sell, ignoring a €100 million ($111.5m) offer from the Spanish champions. Although the striker was previously jeered by home supporters for his transfer request, he has since apologized and regained his place in the starting lineup.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick will be without midfielder Rodri, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Frenkie de Jong or Marc Bernal are expected to fill the vacancy in midfield. Flick confirmed that defenders Eric García and Andreas Christensen are available to return to the squad. For the visitors, summer signing Anthony Gordon enters the fixture with three goals and four assists this season, playing alongside Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.

Atlético Madrid midfielder Johnny Cardoso is available for selection, though Cuti Romero remains out due to injury. While Barcelona won both league meetings last season, Atlético eliminated Flick's side from both the Champions League and the Copa del Rey.