Alvarez omitted from Atletico's traveling party for exhibition match against Marseille

Julian Alvarez, the Atletico Madrid striker, has been excluded from the team's squad for an upcoming friendly match against Marseille, as speculation about his future with the club continues to grow, fueled by reported interest from Barcelona.

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Alvarez's absence from the squad was anticipated, given that he has only had five days of physical training with Atletico, according to Spanish newspaper Sport, which also suggests that the Argentine player is eager to leave the club and is considering a move to Barcelona.

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A meeting between Alvarez and head coach Diego Simeone took place on Wednesday, during which the striker allegedly expressed his hesitation about continuing to play for Atletico, further complicating his situation with the club.

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Alvarez's representatives have requested a meeting with Atletico's chief executive, Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, who was reportedly not in Madrid at the time, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the player's future with the club.

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Several players, including Rodrigo De Paul, Marcos Llorente, and Juan Musso, will not participate in the match against Marseille, having only recently returned to preseason preparations, while Alexander Sørloth remains unable to play due to an injury.

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Despite the uncertainty surrounding Alvarez's future, coach Diego Simeone is still counting on the 26-year-old as Atletico's primary striker, indicating that the club has not yet given up on him.

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Attention is now focused on Atletico's La Liga opener against Malaga, scheduled for August 19, at which point the club's returning international players may be involved, provided they are deemed fit to play.