Atletico Madrid will begin their Champions League campaign on the road in one of the marquee matchups of the opening round: a visit to Anfield to face Premier League champions Liverpool. But Diego Simeone’s side will have to do it without star forward Julian Alvarez.

The Argentine international picked up a right knee strain last weekend against Villarreal, forcing him off at halftime. Tests confirmed the injury would sideline him for several weeks, ruling him out of Tuesday’s clash in England.

While Liverpool manager Arne Slot can count on newly signed striker Alexander Isak—who will make his competitive debut for the Reds—Simeone must adjust without two of his top attacking options. Along with Alvarez, Thiago Almada remains unavailable due to a muscle issue suffered during international

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