Atlético face Marseille in final preseason test before LaLiga opener

Atlético de Madrid complete their preseason schedule on Friday with a friendly against Olympique de Marseille at the CEPAC Vélodrome, five days before their LaLiga opener against Málaga. The match is the first chance for several recent arrivals to gain minutes, including Alejandro Grimaldo, who is set to make his debut for the club Source: infobae.

Team news

Grimaldo, signed from Bayer Leverkusen, is expected to start on the left flank, while Giuliano Simeone returns after reaching the World Cup final. Pablo Barrios and Kang-in Lee are also set to feature. However, Julián Álvarez is unlikely to play, having only resumed training on Tuesday amid speculation about his future Source: infobae. Alexander Sørloth is ruled out with a muscle injury Source: infobae.

Form and context

Atleti began preseason with a 4-1 win over Getafe but then lost to Manchester United (2-1) and Manchester City (3-1) Source: elmundoes. Marseille, by contrast, have won four of five friendlies, including a 3-1 victory over Athletic Club Source: infobae. The French side have not made major signings but boast academy product Igor Paixao Source: infobae.

What's next

Simeone is still awaiting the arrival of defender Cristian 'Cuti' Romero from Tottenham, while players like Thiago Almada, Nahuel Molina, and Matteo Ruggeri could leave Source: infobae. The match will be broadcast on Atlético's official YouTube channel in Spain Source: elmundoes. The team then face Málaga on August 19 at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Source: elmundoes.