Atlético Madrid to be without key player vs Liverpool due to bizarre UEFA rule

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For the second season running, matchday one of the Champions League league phase sees Atlético Madrid visit Anfield. This means Liverpool have now won each of their last three meetings with los Rojiblancos, albeit the round of 16 exit against Atleti, in the final match before lockdown, still haunts many supporters.

Well, after a season playing for Atlético Madrileño in the Primera Federación, the club's B team, who operate in the third-tier, he was promoted to the first team this summer. Nevertheless, Simeone still has plenty of options to start in wide position in his absence.

Julián Alvarez doesn't get the warmest of welcomes as he's introduced off the bench 😬Atleti fans can be heard whistling at the Argentine as he makes his way onto the pitch 👀 pic.twitter.com/Pzn4cVH4h0— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) August 23, 2026Despite this, he has featured off the bench during two of their last three matches, but has looked a shadow of his former self, so is unlikely to be a player Liverpool fans should fear. Nevertheless, David could debut for Atleti at Anfield on Wednesday, and will be a player for Virgil van Dijk and Jérémy Jacquet to watch out for.