Xabi Alonso makes a heartbreaking statement after Real Madrid failed to control the injury storm. “Many stars will miss the 2025 FIFA WORLD CUP, one of them is…”
Sad news: Xabi Alonso makes heartbreaking statements after Real Madrid failed to control the injury storm. “Many stars will miss the 2025 FIFA World Cup, one of them is…”
The football world was rocked by a grim announcement from new Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, addressing the club’s mounting injury crisis, which threatens to derail its bid for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. With the tournament set to kick off in the United States on June 14, Alonso’s emotional statement laid bare the harsh reality facing the Spanish giants: several key players could miss the prestigious tournament due to persistent injuries. This casts a shadow over what was expected to be a triumphant debut for Alonso, who recently replaced Carlo Ancelotti following a trophyless 2024-25 season.
Alonso, the former Real Madrid midfielder and champion coach of Bayer Leverkusen, has taken up his new role with high expectations. His appointment was seen as a new beginning for a club looking to regain its dominance in both domestic and international competitions. However, the wave of injuries that plagued Real Madrid last season shows no signs of abating, and Alonso’s first days in charge have been marked by challenges that even his tactical brilliance might struggle to overcome.
Alonso expressed his disappointment and sadness over the situation in a press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s opening match against Al-Hilal on June 18. “It’s heartbreaking to see so many talented players off the pitch,” he stated. “We are working tirelessly to get them back, but the reality is that some of our stars might not be ready for the Club World Cup. We need to focus on the current players and build a cohesive squad, but it’s a difficult time for the team and the fans.” Although Alonso didn’t name any players in particular, reports suggest the injury list includes some of the club’s most important figures, threatening to disrupt their plans for the tournament.
The injury crisis has been a constant problem for Real Madrid. Last season, key defenders such as Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, and David Alaba suffered long-term injuries. Carvajal and Militão suffered anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) problems that kept them out for much of the season. While both players have returned to training, their participation in the Club World Cup remains uncertain, with Alonso doubting his return. It has been confirmed that first-choice left-back Ferland Mendy will miss the tournament, leaving a gap in the defense. In addition, midfielders Eduardo Camavinga and Antonio Rüdiger are suffering from injuries, further reducing the squad’s depth.
His absence poses a significant challenge for Alonso, who is tasked with integrating new signings like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen into an already struggling squad. The lack of a proper preseason, coupled with the international commitments of players like Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé, and Jude Bellingham, has left Alonso with little time to implement his tactical vision. “The Club World Cup has forced us to accelerate our processes in an unnatural way,” Alonso said, highlighting the difficulty of preparing a squad under such constraints.
Despite the setbacks, Alonso remains optimistic about Real Madrid’s chances. The club’s 34-man squad for the tournament includes promising youngsters such as Raúl Asencio, Diego Aguado, and Youssef Lekhedim, all of whom have impressed in training. Alonso’s hands-on approach, seen in early training sessions where he physically positions players and showcases his signature passing, has generated enthusiasm among the fans. The “structured freedom” philosophy he developed during his successful time at Leverkusen emphasizes fluidity and balance, but the absence of key players could force him to adapt his strategy. The FIFA Club World Cup is a crucial test for Alonso’s efforts to establish a new identity for Real Madrid. The club’s opponents in the group stage—Al-Hilal, Pachuca, and RB Salzburg—are tough, and the expanded 32-team format adds even more complexity. Real Madrid, with five Club World Cup titles under their belt, are the favorites, but an injury crisis could jeopardize their quest for another trophy. Alonso’s ability to weather this storm will be closely watched as fans and analysts look for signs of the “new era” he promises.
For now, the focus is on recovery and resilience. Alonso’s statements highlight the emotional impact of the injury crisis, but also reflect his determination to move forward. “We don’t just play for results; we play for what we want to be,” he stated. As Real Madrid prepares for its away match against Al-Hilal, the football world is waiting with bated breath to see if Alonso can guide the club through this turbulent period and lay the foundations for future success.
