The draw for the league phase of the 2025/26 Champions League produced some mouthwatering matchups, with Liverpool’s clash against Atlético Madrid at Anfield standing out as one of the biggest fixtures of Matchday 1 on Wednesday, Sept. 17.
Simeone’s side face tough start
Diego Simeone’s team have regularly gone deep in European competition over the last 15 years and will once again aim to upset some of the so-called bigger names this season, including the Premier League champions. Their task on Wednesday, however, will be made harder by the absence of one key player: Argentina striker Julián Alvarez.
What injury does Julían Alvarez have?
Alvarez was expected to lead the attack at Anfield but has been ruled out with a knee injury suffered in Saturday’s win over Villarreal, which forced him off at halftime.
Although the injury is not believed to be serious, the former Manchester City forward has not recovered in time for Atlético’s Champions League opener. On paper, it is their toughest fixture in the league phase.
USMNT midfielder and former MLS star miss out for Atlético
Also missing from the trip to Liverpool are USMNT midfielder Johnny Cardoso, central defender José María Giménez, winger Álex Baena and Alvarez’s Argentina teammate Thiago Almada, formerly of MLS club Atlanta United.
Alvarez’s strong start in Spain
Alvarez enjoyed a productive debut season in Spain, scoring 29 goals in 57 appearances across all competitions. This season, he has already registered a goal and an assist in four LaLiga games, the last of which was cut short due to injury.
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