Sorloth ruled out for Atlético's league opener due to injury

Atlético Madrid's pre-season plans are thrown into turmoil. Alexander Sorloth, already sidelined with a muscle strain, is "very unlikely" to be fit for the league opener on August 19 against Málaga, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Simeone is forced to improvise up front with only Lookman as a clear attacking option. Julián Álvarez has just rejoined the squad — Wednesday's session was his first team training — but he's not yet ready to start. The manager is also considering alternatives: Kang-in Lee as a striker alongside the English winger, Giuliano — who cut short his holidays — or Arnau Ortiz, though these players are still finding their rhythm.

Friday's friendly against Olympique Marseille at the Velodrome could give Simeone a chance to test different attacking combinations before the season kicks off without his star striker.