Arnau, from hope to ostracism

Arnau Ortiz, promoted from Atlético Madrid's academy, has not played since September 16 despite a strong start to the season as competition intensifies.

Arnau Ortiz arrived at Atlético Madrid this season after an excellent year with the club's B team and an impressive preseason under Diego Simeone. The winger was handed a first-team contract and started in LaLiga's opening match against Málaga at the Metropolitano, going on to feature in five games against Sevilla, Athletic, Real Sociedad and Osasuna.

However, since September 16, Ortiz has disappeared from Simeone's plans entirely, spending more than a month and a half without a single appearance. The return of players like Julián Alvarez and Sorloth, combined with the form of Jonathan David, Baena and Kang-in Lee, has dramatically increased competition in the Atlético squad.

Simeone addressed the situation publicly before the Espanyol match, emphasizing that players at a club of Atlético's stature must remain ready at all times. "When you're at an important team, these situations happen," the manager said. "You have to be prepared because when I tell you 'you're going in', there are no excuses about not playing or being out of action. The reality is training, because we're always at their disposal physically and technically. The goal is for them to always be ready to respond when their moment comes."