When it rains, it certainly pours, and that’s the sentiment at Valdebebas as they gear up for a trip to Greece to face Olympiakos in the Champions League. Xabi Alonso is navigating his first period of difficulties at Real Madrid, but he will be without two key players for this Mediterranean clash.
Los Blancos are currently on a three-match winless streak following a disappointing draw against Elche over the weekend, which has narrowed their La Liga lead to just one point. Questions are being raised about Alonso’s methods, with reports indicating discontent within the dressing room and some players expressing a willingness to consider a coaching change.
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Thibaut Courtois to miss Olympiakos match
If that isn’t enough, Real Madrid’s first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will miss Wednesday’s match. Despite being one of the standout performers against Elche, he will not make the trip due to a stomach bug, according to Diario AS. This means Andriy Lunin will step in for his season debut and his first match under Alonso’s leadership.
Uncertainty surrounding Dean Huijsen’s fitness
Image via Angel Martinez/Getty Images
Additionally, there are concerns regarding Dean Huijsen’s fitness. The 20-year-old defender had been a doubt for the Elche match due to muscle discomfort but did not train on Tuesday because of knee discomfort. His participation will depend on the outcomes of tests conducted by the medical team.
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No reinforcements from the injured list
These challenges are compounded by the absence of positive updates on injured players. Franco Mastantuono participated in part of a training session but is still expected to sit out in Greece due to his sports hernia. Hopes were high for the return of Antonio Rudiger and Aurelien Tchouameni this week, but neither player trained on Tuesday, making their appearance in Piraeus highly unlikely.