Alarm at Real Madrid! Xabi Alonso's best man is in the works

The Belgian goalkeeper left the Valdebebas complex this morning, just before the training session, and daily Marca claim that his presence between the goals against Olympiakos on Wednesday is a big question mark.

Courtois is suffering from gastroenteritis and, according to the Madrid newspaper, “it is very likely that he will not be part of the squad that will leave this afternoon for Greece. Real Madrid will monitor him in the next few hours, and if his condition improves, there is a possibility that he will join the team later.”

Marca claim that a possible absence of Thibaut Courtois would be “a major setback for Xabi Alonso”

The club's medical report leaves this possibility open: “Following the examination he underwent today by the Real Madrid Medical Services, Thibaut Courtois has been diagnosed with a viral gastrointestinal infection. He will not be available for the trip to Athens, but his condition will be monitored.”

Thibaut Courtois // photo: Gulliver/gettyimages

A possible absence of the Belgian is considered by Marca “a major setback for Xabi Alonso”. Courtois has been at Real's best in recent games as the team goes through a difficult period, marked by the failure at Liverpool (0-1) in the Champions League and the two league draws with Rayo (0-0) and Elche (2-2).

Vinicius doesn't want to sign a new contract because of Xabi Alonso

Even more contested in Madrid, due to the caustic relationship with the dressing room, Alonso still has defenders Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao and David Alaba unavailable. And Antonio Rüdiger, Aurelien Tchouaméni and Franco Mastantuono are uncertain.

Any new personnel problem can create difficulties for the technician appointed in the summer, and that is exactly what he does not need. Left on the bench several times, Vinicius jr refuses to extend his deal due in 2027. British publication The Athletic claims that the reason given by the Brazilian striker is the “bad relationship” he has with the coach.