LONDON (AP) – Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez is expected to return from injury for Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal.
The Argentina international striker scored Atlético’s equalizer from a penalty in last week’s 1-1 first leg, but was unable to finish the game. He then did not feature in Saturday’s 2-0 La Liga win over Valencia.
However, the former Manchester City player, who has scored 20 goals for the team this season, traveled to London on Monday and appeared to be available.
Atlético manager Diego Simeone said: “Julian Álvarez knows the English league very well, so he will be important in this game.” “He played really well last week. I hope he brings what we need in tomorrow’s game.”
hotel switch
Atlético players are staying in a different hotel to the one they stayed in during their 4-0 league defeat to Arsenal in October.
Simeone was asked about the change, as it was reported that the Argentina national team coach ordered the change because he believed that using the same base could bring bad luck to his players.
“Hotels were cheaper,” he said with a smile. “That’s why we’ve changed.”
According to the British Press Association, Atleti are staying at the five-star Courthouse Hotel in Shoreditch, east London. In October, they stayed at the four-star Marriott Hotel in Regent’s Park.
Odegaard and Havertz available
Arsenal, aiming to reach the Champions League final for the first time since 2006, will be boosted by the performances of captain Martin Odegaard and forward Kai Havertz.
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