Julian Alvarez has been named in Atletico Madrid's travelling squad for Wednesday's Champions League opener against Liverpool at Anfield. The Argentina forward has only recently returned to competitive action after heavy transfer speculation during the summer, with Diego Simeone's side now gearing up for another stern European challenge on Merseyside.

Atletico have left for England ahead of Wednesday's opening league-phase fixture in the Champions League against Liverpool at Anfield. Simeone has selected a strong group for the trip, including Alvarez, who came on as a second-half substitute in the 3-0 loss to Athletic Club. The Argentina attacker had briefly been absent from training amid serious summer interest from Barcelona, before Atletico held firm over his release clause.

The Spanish club flew out from Barajas Airport at 10:00 AM and arrived on Merseyside at around 12:20 PM local time, where they are staying at The Municipal Hotel. Simeone and one player are due to speak to the media at 5:45 PM, before an open training session on the Anfield pitch at 6:30 PM.

Simeone is missing only two players for the trip. Striker Alexander Sorloth is still recovering from injury, while Arnau Ortiz continues to serve a suspension that dates back to August 2024. The inclusion of major first-team names such as Jan Oblak, Koke, Cuti Romero, Jonathan David and Ademola Lookman highlights the depth available to the visitors.

This meeting means Atletico are starting their European campaign away to Liverpool for the second season in a row. The Reds have won each of their last three Champions League meetings with Atletico, who have never lost four consecutive matches against the same European opponent. At the same time, new Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola is still without a win in four competitive encounters with Simeone, having lost three and drawn one.

Atletico are aiming to respond strongly after their domestic setback at the weekend, while also trying to avoid a repeat of last season's 3-2 defeat at Anfield. The task is a difficult one, with Liverpool unbeaten in opening home matches in the European Cup and Champions League across 12 games. Defensive discipline will be crucial for Simeone's side if they are to take important early points before a demanding league-phase schedule begins.