Simeone's derby dilemmas: Julián Alvarez fitness, tactical shape and the left flank

Atlético de Madrid began preparing for Sunday's derby against Real Madrid at the Metropolitano (16.15 local time) with a training session in Majadahonda on Friday. Diego Simeone was without Pablo Barrios and Sorloth, both ruled out of the fixture, but did welcome Julián Alvarez back to group training, although the forward did not complete the full session. The Argentine's physical condition now shapes much of the starting eleven.

• Julián Alvarez returned to group training but did not finish Friday's session.
• Pablo Barrios and Sorloth are ruled out of the Metropolitano derby.
• Jonathan David is in form with two goals in his first two LaLiga appearances.
• Simeone is weighing a back three with wing-backs against a flat back four.
• The left flank and central midfield remain the other major selection questions.

Julián Alvarez remains Atlético's biggest derby doubt

Julián Alvarez is the main fitness concern ahead of the derby. The Argentine is recovering from a muscle overload that kept him out of the last two league games against Real Sociedad and Osasuna, and his progress over the coming hours will decide whether he makes the squad. Being included in the list is one thing; starting the match is another.

If the World Cup winner is not ready to start, Simeone has a reliable alternative at hand. Jonathan David has opened his LaLiga account with two goals in two matches, one of them after coming off the bench, and looks ready to lead the line. That form reduces the need to take risks with Álvarez.

The tactical system Simeone is considering against Real Madrid

The second major decision concerns the shape. Simeone is considering whether to keep a back three with two wing-backs or switch to a flat back four. Hancko, Pubill and Cristian Romero are guaranteed starters either way, which opens the door to moving the Slovak to left-back if the team plays with four at the back.

With wing-backs, there are several options for the left side: Grimaldo or even Giuliano Simeone could occupy that role, while Llorente would start on the right. The Madrid-born player also has a chance to drop into central midfield, giving the Argentine coach even more combinations to work with.

Midfield selection and the expected return of Hjulmand

In midfield, Hjulmand is expected to return to the starting lineup after being a substitute against Osasuna. The Dane would be joined by one of several options: Cardoso, Koke or even Julián Alvarez, who can also operate in that area. Marcos Llorente rounds out the list of central midfielders with a genuine chance of starting.

The final call will depend largely on the chosen system. With a back three and two wing-backs, the middle of the pitch usually belongs to two central midfielders. With a back four, Simeone could add a third man in the centre and sacrifice an attacker.

The left flank and the other attacking decisions

The attack is not limited to the choice between Julián Alvarez and Jonathan David. Kang-in Lee and Baena impressed on Wednesday and are competing for a place in the attacking line or out wide, while Lookman remains in contention. That said, the Nigerian's best football has come when he starts from the left, where he feels most comfortable and dangerous.

If Simeone opts for a back three, that left side could go to Grimaldo as a wing-back and free up Lookman to play closer to the penalty area. With a back four, the competition changes entirely and the selection margin narrows.

Final training session and press conference before the derby

Atlético will train again on Saturday at 11.00 in Majadahonda. It will be Simeone's last chance to test his starting eleven and check on Julián Alvarez's fitness. After the session, the manager will speak to the media in his pre-match press conference.

The Argentine coach could offer a hint of his intentions in that appearance or, on the contrary, keep all his cards close to his chest to avoid giving José Mourinho any clues. Against a rival of Real Madrid's calibre, with three points on the line in the LaLiga title race, every tactical detail carries enormous weight.