According to Argentine media outlet Olé, Atlético Madrid striker Álvarez is still suffering from quadriceps overload. With the Madrid derby against Real Madrid just two days away, he first trained with the Atlético Madrid B team on Friday before gradually joining the first team for joint training, leaving his participation in Sunday's match in doubt.

The 26-year-old Álvarez has been dealing with muscle problems since last Saturday when he left training early due to discomfort. Since then, he has missed Sunday's match against Real Sociedad and Wednesday's match against Osasuna.

In Friday's training session, Álvarez first warmed up and performed various stretching exercises accompanied by club staff, then joined the Atlético Madrid B team training. After completing most of the training content, he gradually returned to join the first team led by Diego Simeone, participating in only part of the joint training.

Due to his absence from two consecutive matches, Álvarez still needs to regain his match rhythm. Atlético Madrid will hold their final training session on Saturday, which will be crucial in determining whether he can play in Sunday's Madrid derby. If his physical condition permits, he could either start or be available as a substitute.

Mateu Alemany, Atlético Madrid's Director of Professional Football, commented on his situation: "Whether he can play largely depends on the condition of his quadriceps and his own physical feeling, because we all know what muscle overload means. He has been training, preparing, and dedicating a lot of time to prepare for this match, and I say this because I am aware of these circumstances. He is very eager to participate in this match and will do everything possible to compete for a spot."

Currently, Álvarez is a major doubt for Atlético Madrid in the derby. If he can return to full fitness, considering his importance to the team, he has a chance to be in the starting lineup. He started against Liverpool away a week ago.

If Álvarez is unable to play, Jonathan David could take his place, or he could partner with Álvarez if the striker is fit. Jonathan David has been in excellent form recently, scoring in two consecutive matches against Real Sociedad and Osasuna, and also providing an assist against Osasuna. Atlético Madrid won these two matches without Álvarez, 3-0 and 4-0 respectively.

In addition, Barrios and Sørloth have been ruled out for this derby. Barrios suffered a mild myofascial injury at Anfield nine days ago, and Sørloth is still recovering from a muscle injury, missing his 7th consecutive match.

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