Real Madrid Manager Xabi Alonso Faces Mounting Pressure as Key Player Misses Crucial Training Ahead of Olympiacos Clash
MADRID – Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is navigating a challenging period as his team prepares to face Olympiakos in Athens on Wednesday,a match taking on increased importance amid a recent slump in form. Adding to the pressure, defender Dean Huijsen missed the final training session before the team’s departure, compounding concerns over team availability.
This comes on the 44th birthday of Alonso, and marks his most arduous stretch as arriving at Real Madrid, following a european defeat and two consecutive La liga draws. The situation is further intricate by the confirmed absence of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, sidelined due to a viral process, giving Andriy Lunin his first start in the Champions League.
Huijsen had recently returned to action, appearing against Elche on Sunday after recovering from a muscle injury that kept him out of the November international window. He, along with other starters, had a recovery session on Monday.
However, Alonso received positive news with the return of Antonio Rüdiger and Aurélien Tchouaméni to full training, both appearing in condition to play.Franco Mastantuono continues to work his way back from pubalgia, participating in group sessions for the second consecutive day.
Real Madrid will forgo a training session at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in Athens, opting to finalize tactical preparations in private. The team departed for Athens by charter flight late this morning.
Currently seventh in the Champions League group stage with three wins and one loss – a defeat at Anfield against Liverpool - Real Madrid will be looking to regain momentum against Olympiakos. The absences of Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, and Éder Militao, alongside Courtois and now Huijsen, present a significant challenge for Alonso as he seeks to steer his team back on track.
