Julián Álvarez was absent from Atlético Madrid's training session on Wednesday, with his camp citing an ailment after what was described as a difficult, pain-filled night, ONE reports.
Spanish outlet El Desmarque gave a similar account, reporting that the Argentine sat out after "an indisposition" following a bad night, though neither outlet specified the precise nature of the complaint.
The absence lands squarely inside the messiest saga of Atlético's summer. Álvarez has made clear for weeks that he wants out, with Barcelona his only stated destination, and the two clubs have been locked in a stand-off ever since he pushed to leave.
Atlético's hierarchy has ruled out a sale, unwilling to strengthen a direct domestic rival. Multiple reports in Spain have put his release clause as high as €490 million, with the club insisting there will be no discount and no exception for timing or circumstance.
Arsenal have also registered interest and reportedly meet Atlético's financial demands, but Álvarez has focused solely on Barcelona and continued to knock back the Premier League club's approaches, according to reports.
Against that backdrop, Spanish media have openly questioned whether Wednesday's absence reflects a genuine health issue or is a deliberate act of protest — some outlets floated the idea of an "Italian-style strike" designed to pressure the club into sanctioning his exit before the window shuts.
The dispute has already spilled into public view at the Metropolitano. Álvarez was jeered by sections of the home support when he was left out of the squad for the season-opening 2-0 win over promoted Málaga, and whistled again when introduced as a substitute in the following match against Villarreal.
El Desmarque also reported that the toll has extended beyond the pitch, with Álvarez's family said to be struggling with the situation as it drags on.
The forward, who joined Atlético from Manchester City in 2024 in a club-record deal, remains under contract until 2030. With Spain's registration deadline approaching, neither side has shown any sign of budging, leaving Wednesday's absence as the latest flashpoint in a standoff still without a resolution.
