Alvarez primed for first LaLiga start with Atleti

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Atleti emerges from the international window second on the table with 16 points from seven games, five adrift of early pacesetter Barcelona, which has a perfect record.

Simeone's side earned a 2-1 derby win over Real Madrid prior to the hiatus, and its early results have come despite Alvarez not starting a league game so far this term.

Having publicly pushed for a move to Barca in the most recent transfer window, Alvarez has been restricted to three substitute appearances thus far, and he was booed by his own supporters after a 2-2 draw with Villarreal in August.

But after appearing in all three of Argentina's games during the international break – including Lionel Messi's farewell match against Benin – Alvarez could be thrown in from the start when Atleti visits Estadio de Mendizorroza on Sunday (AEDT).

"I see him in good shape, enthusiastic, and he has the desire to give everything he has, as he always does," Simeone said of Alvarez.

"When he is in good shape, he gives us a different dimension in attack."

Atleti's attacking options could be further boosted by Alexander Sorloth and Pablo Barrios returning, with the former having missed the start of the season with a muscle issue and the latter suffering a lower leg issue in Atleti's opening UEFA Champions League defeat to Liverpool.

"They are working very well, and they will take part in the match. We hope they give their best, as each of them gives us different options in play," Simeone said of that duo.

Simeone was also asked for his reaction to Messi's final international appearance, but he could not choose between the 39-year-old and Diego Maradona – two of his compatriots.

"I will not get into the game of choosing one of them. I had the chance to play with Maradona, but I did not have the chance to play with Messi," Simeone said.

"We Argentines are grateful that we lived through the era of the best players in the history of football. Messi surpassed every possible limit and dealt with everything with respect.

"As an Argentine, I thank him for everything he has given us, but the most important thing is what he taught us about fighting. He taught us that when things go wrong, we must keep moving forward."

Alaves have also started the season positively, sitting sixth on the table with 11 points from its opening seven games.

It is winless in its past three matches, however, drawing 0-0 with Athletic Club after back-to-back defeats to Racing Santander and Valencia.