Key Takeaways:
- Julian Alvarez and Johnny Cardoso have both been excluded from Atletico Madrid’s squad for the Champions League opener against Liverpool
- Alvarez suffered a knee injury during Atletico’s recent 2-0 La Liga victory over Villarreal and remains sidelined
- Atletico Madrid have named a 22-man travelling squad for Anfield ahead of a quick turnaround to face Mallorca next
Squad Selection for Merseyside Clash
Atletico Madrid have announced the 22 players selected by manager Diego Simeone to make the journey to Merseyside for their Champions League opener against Liverpool, the current Premier League title holders. Absent from the roster are Julian Alvarez and United States midfielder Johnny Cardoso, both of whom miss out due to injury concerns. Additional omissions include Thiago Almada, Jose Maria Gimenez, and Alex Baena.
🚨🚫 Julián Álvarez and Johnny Cardoso, out of Atlético Madrid squad for Liverpool game due to injury. pic.twitter.com/mXDu0yvvqE
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 16, 2025
| Player | Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Julian Alvarez | Omitted | Knee injury (sustained vs Villarreal) |
| Johnny Cardoso | Omitted | Sustained sprain in training |
| Thiago Almada | Omitted | Muscle injury |
| Jose Maria Gimenez | Omitted | Thigh injury |
| Alex Baena | Omitted | Muscle injury |
Analysis: Alvarez’s Injury and Contribution
Julian Alvarez, who joined Atletico Madrid from Manchester City in 2024, has established himself as a regular fixture in Simeone’s side and delivered two goal contributions from four appearances early in the season. He featured in the starting eleven for the recent La Liga encounter against Villarreal, where he was forced off at half-time following a knee injury. Despite only playing half the match, Alvarez provided the crucial assist for Pablo Barrios’ opening goal, helping Atletico secure a 2-0 win.
Johnny Cardoso’s Absence Explained
Johnny Cardoso, a recent summer arrival from Betis for $35 million (£25.7m), will also miss the European fixture after sustaining a sprain during training on Monday. This development rules out the USMNT midfielder from making the trip to the United Kingdom for the crucial Champions League tie.
Fixture Demands: Anfield Test Followed by Mallorca Away
Following their midweek assignment against Liverpool at Anfield, Atletico Madrid will have just four days to regroup before returning to domestic action with an away fixture at Mallorca on Sunday. Simeone’s side currently sit 11th in La Liga, having managed only one win in their opening four matches.
