Atlético missing: team deprived of key striker

Atlético de Madrid is approaching the 2026-2027 season in a complicated situation. The club, which can boast of being the team with the most finalists in the last World Cup, sees this performance weighing on its preparations ahead of the start of the league. Alexander Sorloth, its Norwegian striker, has just suffered a muscle injury that will keep him off the pitch for the early matches of La Liga.

This absence, combined with Julián’s late return — still undergoing medical tests — before the opening match against Málaga, has deprived Diego Simeone of several offensive options. With Lookman forced to play a central attacking role during pre-season, the Argentine manager will need to get creative to adapt to this new reality. The absence of Sorloth, who was among the top summer transfer targets, comes at the worst possible time. An untimely injury Sorloth suffered the injury during a training session last week. Since then, he has not participated in group drills, unlike other internationals who did not take part in the World Cup in Korea. The Norwegian thus becomes the first victim of the season, just before the league kicks off. This injury not only complicates Atlético’s start to the campaign but could also impact any last-minute bid for the player. The Madrid-based club, which is banking on experienced profiles for this new season, now sees one of its offensive assets slip away. Simeone, known for his tactical adaptability, will need to find quick solutions to make up for this loss. The situation is all the more delicate given that pre-season did not allow the team to prepare sufficiently for this scenario. A demanding schedule for Atlético Atlético Madrid begins its 2026-2027 season with a packed calendar. The opening match against Málaga, scheduled in the coming days, already looks set to be a tough test. Without Sorloth and with Julián not yet fully operational, the team will have to rely on players like Lookman to lead the attack. The club, which has long been at the forefront of summer transfers, must now deal with these unforeseen setbacks. Club officials may still attempt a move in the transfer market before the window closes, but time is running out. Simeone, who has always bounced back from in-season challenges, will need to be pragmatic to keep Atlético in the title race. The pressure is even greater as the club aims for a competitive season following its Champions League campaign. To follow the club’s latest news, check the results, the fixture list or the standings on the official LaLiga website.