Atlético Madrid Still Waiting for Alexander Sørloth’s Return from Injury

Atlético Madrid remain without Alexander Sørloth after the Norway striker failed to resume pitch work at Majadahonda a month on from the muscle contracture announced by the club on August 12. The forward has missed the opening five competitive matches of the season and is not yet training with Diego Simeone’s main group.

What changed for Atlético Madrid

Sørloth’s recovery was initially placed on an individual programme, with Atlético stating that the player’s availability would depend on how his condition developed. The club confirmed that medical assessments had identified a muscle contracture and that he would work separately before returning to collective sessions.

That return has not yet arrived. Sørloth remains unable to take part in training on the grass, extending an absence that has limited Simeone’s options through the first weeks of the campaign.

The 29-year-old had been expected to be an important reference point in Atlético’s attack, but his injury has coincided with a shortage of specialist centre-forwards. His continued absence has also followed a summer in which Juventus showed serious interest and clubs in Turkey made enquiries. Atlético would not consider a sale below a valuation exceeding €30 million.

Competition context

Atlético’s attacking resources were already stretched when the season began. Julián Álvarez arrived late after transfer uncertainty and illness, with his first start coming against Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday.

Jonathan David was also added only on transfer deadline day, leaving Simeone to improvise in the opening fixtures.

• Ademola Lookman has been used through the middle despite not being a natural centre-forward.
• Alex Baena and Kang-in Lee have also been deployed in advanced central roles.
• Sørloth’s absence has removed a recognised focal point from the squad during a demanding early schedule.

For Simeone, restoring the Scandinavian striker would offer a more conventional option at the head of the attack and reduce the need to shift wide or creative players into the No. 9 role.

What is scheduled next

Atlético face three matches in seven days before the next international break. They travel to Real Sociedad on Sunday, welcome Osasuna on Wednesday, and then meet Real Madrid in next Sunday’s derby.

Unless Sørloth returns to group work early next week, he is highly unlikely to be involved in any of those fixtures. The more realistic target is now October 10, when Atlético are due to visit Alavés at Mendizorroza.

The forthcoming three-week break is therefore expected to be central to his rehabilitation. Atlético will hope it gives Sørloth sufficient time to complete his recovery and return fully fit for the next phase of the season.