Diego Simeone confirmed Barcelona target Julián Álvarez will not feature in Saturday's LaLiga game at Sevilla but he is counting on the forward to play an important role in his Atlético Madrid team this season.
Álvarez did not train with his teammates for a third straight day on Friday leading to speculation that the Argentina international is trying to force an exit from Atlético before the transfer window closes on Sept. 1.
"My stance remains the same," Simeone said in Friday's news conference. "From a sporting perspective, I hope to help him in the best possible way so that he continues to be the vital player he is for us. Obviously, Julián won't be available tomorrow.
"Once Julián returns to train with us, we will give him everything we've always given him to make him feel, as he has felt, important, as he is to this team."
Atlético said earlier this week that Álvarez, whose desire is to leave the club and join rivals Barcelona, was "unwell" on Wednesday.
Barça president Joan Laporta reiterated this week the club's interest in signing Álvarez but Atlético then hit back with a statement, saying there was a "zero percent chance" of Álvarez joining Barcelona and calling themselves "victims" in the saga, who had been "damaged financially and socially."
"I think the club was very firm and clear in everything they explained [regarding Álvarez's situation] and everything that is going to happen," Simeone said on Friday.
Álvarez came on as a second-half substitute in Atlético's 2-2 home draw against Villarreal on Sunday, his first appearance of the season.
The former Manchester City forward was whistled by fans before, during and after the match at the Metropolitano stadium, before leaving the field alone as his teammates applauded the crowd.
Simeone believes Álvarez's rapport with Atlético fans can still be salvaged.
"In life you can revert everything as long a you have [good] health," the Argentinian coach said.
Simeone, meanwhile, stressed that Alexander Sørloth, currently sidelined with a muscular problem, and Álvarez are the attacking pair his team needs this season.
When asked what characteristics does he look in an important striker, Simeone said: "Those of Julián Álvarez and Sørloth."
Simeone, meanwhile, does not believe Álvarez's transfer saga is affecting his team's focus.
"Honestly no," he said. "I don't see that. The players are working very well. We've had good games against Malaga and Villarreal. They are focused on having a good game tomorrow.
"[Without Álvarez and Sørloth against Sevilla] The team is trying to find, from a collective effort, solutions that will allow us to score."
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Álvarez was whistled by fans before, during and after the match at the Metropolitano stadium, before leaving the field alone as his teammates applauded the crowd.
Álvarez had 20 goals in 49 appearances for the Rojiblancos last season.
