Very bad news for Alexander Sorloth

Atlético de Madrid

El Cholo faces the start of the championship with a depleted forward line. Sorloth will not be available for the league debut on the 19th against Málaga, after suffering a muscular problem last week that will keep him out of training for about three weeks. His pre-season had already started later, on August 2, due to his participation with Norway up to the quarterfinals of the World Cup.

The setback comes in a particularly complicated summer for the Atlético. For the third consecutive World Cup, the club had the most presence in the final, a situation that has reduced the preparation time of several players. Julián Alvarez has just joined the group and will only have nine days of work before the opener, while his future continues to generate noise. Baena and Llorente are in a similar situation, although Pubill, Grimaldo and Giuliano have built up a bit more rhythm after bringing their vacations forward.

The forward line, conditioned

0

Sorloth
7.200.000€+300.000€    9

J1

DL

00

The departures of Griezmann, Almada and Nico Gonzalez have left fewer options in attack, where for now only Kang-in Lee has arrived. Simeone expects more reinforcements once the deal for Cuti Romero is finalized, but the first League match could come with Lookman as the only forward with some continuity in pre-season.

The Nigerian is operating as the main striker due to the absences of the other attackers, staying away from the flank and the second line, areas where he can feel more comfortable. Alongside him is Arnau Ortiz, a forward for Atlético Madrileño and the Pichichi of Primera RFEF with 23 goals, who is leaving good impressions. His future remains open, although he has gained options to receive a call-up to the first team in order to be, at least, in the early league fixtures. If that happens, he would no longer be able to return to the reserve side; the plan is to work with Simeone or move to a Primera or Segunda División club.

The injury also affects Sorloth's situation. His continuity was not fully assured, but it seems difficult that a move will happen while he remains out injured. Simeone has Julián Alvarez despite those comments in which he said he wanted to fulfill his dream with a transfer. The figure of Griezmann is irreplaceable, and Atlético will have to make up for his goals and assists collectively, with the opener against Málaga marked by the absence of Sorloth, the limited match sharpness of Julián, and the wait for a signing that will expand the attacking options.