Álvarez reportedly trains alone as Atlético maintain Barcelona stance

Julián Álvarez reportedly attended Atlético Madrid’s training ground for an individual session on Friday afternoon. Earlier that day, he had missed the team’s morning workout for the third consecutive time. The update comes from Marca journalist Pedro Morata, whose reporting was relayed by FCBarca.com.

That is a development, but it does not amount to a return to group training. An individual session also offers no evidence that the dispute surrounding the striker’s future has been resolved.

At his Friday press conference, Diego Simeone confirmed that Álvarez would miss Saturday’s match against Sevilla. The coach also reiterated his intention to help the Argentine become an important player for his team again. His comments were published by Cadena SER.

For Barcelona, Thursday’s Atlético statement remains the key development. The board unanimously backed the club’s refusal to negotiate Álvarez’s sale to the Catalan side. According to EFE, Atlético insisted that no such talks had taken place and none would follow.

The afternoon session should therefore not be mistaken for a transfer breakthrough. Barcelona can keep following their target’s training schedule. An invitation to the negotiating table remains rather harder to obtain.