Álvarez has been training well and will be part of the group that travels to Bilbao for the game. The Argentina international has featured for just 24 minutes in LaLiga so far this season, being whistled by fans at the Metropolitano as he came off the bench against Villarreal on August 23. Simeone expects the best from Álvarez, who sought to leave Atlético after scoring eight LaLiga goals last season and another 10 in the Champions League.
Simeone's comments suggest that Álvarez will have the chance to redeem himself and resolve internal situations that may have contributed to his desire to leave. Atlético signed Jonathan David on loan from Juventus on the last day of the transfer window, but Simeone believes Álvarez still has a role to play in the team. The coach wants Álvarez to be well, happy, and to score goals, and is giving him the opportunity to do so against Athletic Club.