More Injury Woes for Real Madrid as Xabi Alonso Loses Key Player Before Juventus Clash

Alaba ruled out of Club World Cup as Madrid battle growing injury crisis ahead of crucial knockout stage

Real Madrid’s push for Club World Cup glory has been dealt yet another blow. Just as the squad began to build rhythm under new manager Xabi Alonso, the Spanish giants have confirmed that defensive mainstay David Alaba will miss the remainder of the tournament, extending a troubling injury list that already includes some of the club’s biggest names.

Alaba has yet to feature in any of Madrid’s three matches thus far and was widely expected to make a late return. However, Alonso confirmed during Thursday’s press conference that the Austrian centre-back is taking longer than anticipated to recover from the meniscus surgery he underwent earlier this year.

“David is taking a bit longer [to recover],” Alonso admitted. “After the operation, we need to be cautious and patient. So step by step, we’ll wait a bit longer.”

Real Madrid Injury Crisis: Alaba, Carvajal, Camavinga and More

Alonso

Alaba’s absence is hardly an isolated issue for Los Blancos at this tournament. Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, and midfield dynamo Eduardo Camavinga are all currently sidelined, continuing rehabilitation programs at Madrid’s temporary training base in Palm Beach.

Ferland Mendy and Brazil’s teenage sensation Endrick haven’t travelled with the squad at all. Both are undergoing treatment in Madrid, with Alonso revealing that Mendy’s return in particular is “still a long way off.”

“Eduardo is taking great steps forward in his recovery,” said Alonso. “Hopefully we’ll have him back. I don’t know if it will be for the next game, or if we go further, but we’re optimistic.”

The injury list reads more like a who’s who of Madrid’s elite core—a spine of experience and skill that would be the envy of most top-tier European sides. And yet, here they are, reduced to skeleton rotations, and still standing tall among the favourites in this summer’s edition of the FIFA Club World Cup.

Stepping Up: Gonzalo García and Dean Huijsen Embrace the Spotlight

Real Madrid CF Training Session And Press Conference – FIFA Club World Cup 2025

In the absence of veterans, Madrid’s next generation has stepped into the spotlight—and seized it with both hands. Chief among them is 21-year-old Gonzalo García, who has lit up the group stage with two goals in three matches, including a well-taken effort in the 3-0 win over Red Bull Salzburg that secured top spot in Group H.

Not far behind is Dean Huijsen, the highly-rated Dutch defender who arrived in the Spanish capital earlier this year. Huijsen has slotted in seamlessly, anchoring a makeshift three-man defence alongside Antonio Rudiger and Aurelien Tchouameni—the latter once again proving his value as a defensive Swiss army knife.

Alonso’s tactical pivot to a back three has largely been out of necessity, but it’s paid dividends. Madrid have looked compact, composed and—despite the absentees—disciplined. And with a high-stakes round of 16 clash against Juventus looming, that structure could be critical.

Mbappé’s Absence Looms Large—but Madrid March On

The elephant in the room remains Kylian Mbappé. Madrid’s marquee summer signing has yet to feature in the tournament, after being hospitalised with a bout of gastroenteritis. The French forward is back in training but was notably absent from the squad against Salzburg, and it remains to be seen whether Alonso will risk him against his former club, Juventus.

Despite his absence, Madrid have managed to find goals from elsewhere—Gonzalo, Jude Bellingham, and even Fede Valverde contributing to a well-balanced attacking front. But make no mistake: when fit, Mbappé changes everything. His pace, movement, and eye for goal bring a dimension no one else in the squad quite replicates.

Given the knockout nature of the Club World Cup’s final phase, Alonso may opt for caution, prioritising Mbappé’s longer-term fitness over short-term risk—especially if Madrid manage to beat Juve without him.

Xabi Alonso’s Test of Depth and Resolve

It’s hard not to sympathise with Xabi Alonso, who took charge of Madrid amid high expectations but now finds himself navigating a minefield of injuries during his first major tournament at the helm. And yet, to his credit, he has remained composed, flexible and honest in his media engagements, managing to keep morale high in the dressing room and deliver on the pitch.

“We’re adapting,” Alonso said. “This isn’t ideal, but it’s part of football. What matters now is mentality. The group is strong and eager to keep learning and pushing forward.”

There is little doubt Alonso is stamping his identity on this squad. His insistence on all eleven players contributing defensively, his use of inverted full-backs and high-possession football have already caught the eye. But this Club World Cup is as much a test of Madrid’s squad depth as it is of Alonso’s coaching acumen.

Can Madrid Still Go All the Way?

The road to Club World Cup glory won’t get any easier. Madrid’s potential path includes powerhouses like Manchester City, Flamengo or even Inter Miami, depending on how the brackets shake out. But first, they must get past a rejuvenated Juventus, who themselves are seeking redemption in a competition they’ve never won.

The final is set for July 13, and should Madrid get there, it will likely require contributions from across the squad—not just the stars. Whether that’s from experienced campaigners like Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, or emerging names like Gonzalo and Huijsen, everyone will need to rise to the occasion.

The injury to David Alaba may sting now, but if Madrid go on to lift the trophy, this summer could be remembered not for who was missing—but for who stepped up.