Julián Álvarez

Alvarez will receive plasma treatment to aid his ankle recovery, with the Argentina coaching staff growing increasingly optimistic about his availability for the World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16, according to Hernan Castillo.

Analysis: Alvarez had been confirmed in full training earlier in the week after completing his recovery from an ankle sprain, and the plasma treatment is designed to accelerate the final stages of his rehabilitation rather than address any serious ongoing concern. The striker ended a superb club campaign with 18 goals and eight assists across 44 appearances for Atletico and will be expected to carry a significant portion of Argentina's attacking threat alongside Lautaro Martinez when the tournament gets underway.

Jun 2, 2026

Nearing return

Alvarez (ankle) completed his recovery from a sprain and was involved in full training with the Argentinian World Cup squad Tuesday, according to Gustavo Yarroch of Radio La Red.

Analysis: Alvarez has reportedly left his injury behind, and it's now a matter of him regaining match fitness to be an option for the defending world champions. The striker is coming off a superb campaign in which he scored 18 goals and provided eight assists across 44 La Liga or UCL appearances. Thus, he'll be expected to carry a major portion of Argentina's scoring hopes while contending with Lautaro Martinez for minutes in the center-forward position.

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