Julian Alvarez will return to Atletico Madrid's squad for the La Liga game against Athletic Club after his failed transfer attempt acted as a "learning experience", says manager Diego Simeone. The 26-year-old striker missed two days of training last week, citing illness, after being told Atletico would not sell him to Barcelona. While a move to Arsenal materialized, nothing came to fruition, and Alvarez has been reintegrated into team training.

Simeone stated Alvarez will be in the squad tomorrow and is training well, adding the episode should serve as a learning experience. Atletico released two statements reiterating Alvarez would not join rivals Barca, though they were open to selling him to Arsenal. Since joining for £81m from Manchester City in 2024, Alvarez has scored 49 goals in 107 games but is yet to win silverware in Madrid.

Atletico travel to Bilbao to face Athletic Club on Saturday at 15:15 BST.