Simeone names Atlético squad for Vitoria: Sorloth and Grimaldo return

Diego Pablo Simeone, Atlético de Madrid’s head coach, announced on Friday 9 October the squad for the trip to Vitoria, where the team face Alavés this Saturday on their return to competition after the international break. The list includes the return of Alexander Sorloth and Alejandro Grimaldo, with everyone else fully available.

Grimaldo is back after the muscle overload he picked up with Spain a week ago, while Sorloth has been out for almost two months and had not played any match yet this season, nor during pre-season. Pablo Barrios is also included, despite missing the last three games before the break.

Two surprising absences

The biggest talking point is the absence of Obed Vargas and Rodrigo Mendoza, players who, in principle, had not been dealing with physical issues. The piece suggests the decision could be linked to how the staff plan to manage minutes once the winter market opens.

The squad features Salvador Esquivel, Jan Oblak and Juan Musso; David Hancko, Marc Pubill, Cristian Romero, Alejandro Grimaldo, Robin Le Normand, Jorge Domínguez and Dani Martínez; Johnny Cardoso, Koke Resurrección, Pablo Barrios, Marcos Llorente, Morten Hjulmand and Javi Castillo; plus Kang-in Lee, Alexander Sorloth, Álex Baena, Ademola Lookman, Jonathan David, Arnau Ortiz, Julián Álvarez and Giuliano Simeone. Mundo Deportivo adds that Simeone said about Julián Álvarez: “Veo a Julián con ganas de entregar lo mejor que tiene”.