Atlético call-up returns Julián Álvarez and David for Bilbao

Atlético de Madrid have announced their travelling squad for this Saturday’s trip to Bilbao to face Athletic Club. As Mundo Deportivo reports, the list features three players who were not in the Sevilla win at Sánchez Pizjuán.

Key returns

The headline is Julián Álvarez. He is back after missing the previous call-up due to an illness that kept him from training during the week. Simeone already confirmed the situation in his press room appearance hours earlier: “He’s training very well; tomorrow he’ll be in the squad; he’ll be part of the group that goes to play in Bilbao. Hoping for the best from him, as we do for all his teammates.”

David and Le Normand

The second change is Jonathan David. The 26-year-old Canadian signed on the last day of the transfer window from Juventus and arrives on loan with a €25m buy option. The report suggests he could make his debut for Atlético at San Mamés.

The third return is Robin Le Normand. He missed the Sevilla match after being sent off in the previous game against Villarreal, but he is now available again, although he is expected to start on the bench.

Who doesn’t travel

Atlético will be without Alexander Sorloth, still recovering from a muscular injury suffered on August 12, and without Obed Vargas, whose situation could involve a loan move depending on whether the window is still open elsewhere.

The full squad, according to Mundo Deportivo, includes Oblak, Musso and Esquivel; Llorente, Pubill, Hancko, Grimaldo, Cuti Romero, Le Normand and Dani Martínez; Giuliano, Hjulmand, Barrios, Lookman, Mendoza, Cardoso, Koke and Castillo; and Kang-in, Baena, Julián Álvarez, Jonathan David and Arnau Ortiz.