Atletico Madrid Regains Key Players Before Alaves Clash

Atletico Madrid has regained several important squad members ahead of its LaLiga meeting with Deportivo Alaves at Mendizorroza Stadium in Vitoria-Gasteiz on Saturday, October 10, 2026. Diego Simeone's side will resume its league campaign with Pablo Barrios, Alexander Sorloth and Ademola Lookman available for preparations, according to Sports Illustrated. Barrios and Sorloth have returned to group training after their respective injuries, while Lookman has rejoined the team following his international duty with Nigeria.

The report also identifies Alejandro Grimaldo as a potential option, although his availability for the match depends on the coaching staff's decision. Atletico must also consider its upcoming UEFA Champions League fixture against Manchester United on Tuesday. That schedule could influence Simeone's selection decisions as the Madrid club returns to domestic competition after the September and October international windows.

Atletico enters the match second in LaLiga with 16 points from seven rounds and one defeat, according to Sports Illustrated. The team has the same points total as Real Betis and trails league leader Barcelona by five points.

Alaves occupies sixth place with 11 points. However, the home side has gone three league matches without a victory, giving its meeting with Atletico added importance as the competition resumes. The match is scheduled for 4:15 p.m.

Central European Time, corresponding to 10:15 a.m. Eastern Time in the United States and 8:15 a.m. in Mexico, according to the published fixture information. The venue is Mendizorroza Stadium in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.

Sports Illustrated lists ESPN Deportes, ESPN+, fuboTV and the ESPN App as viewing options in the United States. In Mexico, the match is scheduled to be available on Sky Sports Mexico and Sky+, while viewers in Spain can watch through Movistar+, M+ LALIGA TV and LaLiga TV Bar HD. The fixture also marks the 10th managerial meeting between Quique Sanchez Flores and Simeone, according to the report. Simeone holds the advantage in their head-to-head record, with five victories, two draws and two defeats.

The two coaches have also overseen Atletico's last 10 titles between them. Sanchez Flores won two titles during his time in charge, while Simeone has collected eight, according to Sports Illustrated.