The international break is over and Atleti return to training with Sorloth back on the grass after injury — but Grimaldo is a concern, working alone in the gym ahead of the weekend fixture against Alavés.
Alexander Sorloth returned to group training on Monday — good news after his injury absence. Lookman also back on the pitch after international duty. Grimaldo, however, trained separately in the gym with a muscle overload, making him uncertain for the Alavés match.
Barrios is set to be available for the Liga match against Deportivo Alavés after the international break, adding crucial midfield depth back to Simeone's options.
Álvarez netted during the international break — his first goal celebration in some time — and reports suggest he looks like 'a different person' physically and mentally. A timely confidence boost ahead of a demanding run of fixtures.
USA coach Mauricio Pochettino described Jonathan David as 'one of the best strikers in the world right now' and called his move to Atlético and working with Simeone 'fantastic.' Noise rather than news, but it underlines David's growing stature.
Morten Hjulmand played all four of Denmark's international fixtures and comes back with heavy legs. Marca flags a broader concern: most of Atleti's internationals return with high workloads ahead of a congested October schedule.
TeleFootball reports Atlético and Juventus are tracking Noni Madueke's situation at Chelsea. Early-stage interest — not an imminent move — but worth flagging given Atleti's ongoing search for wide attacking quality.
Reports of friction between Lookman and the Nigeria coaching staff over where he was played during the international break. He's back training with Atleti, but worth monitoring if there's any residual disruption.