Simeone's squad heads to Marseille without Julián Álvarez

Diego Pablo Simeone released Atlético de Madrid's official squad for the last pre-season encounter with Olympique de Marseille, confirming that Julián Álvarez will not travel and will remain in Madrid amid growing rumors about his next move. The striker has been training in Majadahonda but was omitted from the French trip by the coaching staff. New left-back Alejandro Grimaldo is included and is expected to play a key tactical role this season.

The traveling list also features Koke, Oblak, Lookman, Giménez and Le Normand. The Marseille fixture serves as the final preparation before the league campaign begins, though the team will be without one of its most prized attackers.