Very important loss for Xabi Alonso: a starter could miss Club World Cup

Real Madrid has issued an official statement this Sunday announcing Thibaut Courtois's medical leave. The Belgian goalkeeper is suffering from sacroiliitis, an inflammation in the sacroiliac joint, which connects the lower back to the pelvis.

The injury, although it doesn't seem serious, will keep him off the field for several days. According to club sources, Courtois will miss the international matches with Belgium against North Macedonia and Wales, corresponding to the 2026 World Cup qualifying phase. He had already returned to the national team during the March break, after Domenico Tedesco's departure and Rudi García's arrival as the new coach.

The club world cup, clear objective

Despite this setback, the outlook is optimistic. In Valdebebas, they trust Courtois will be fully recovered to play in the Club World Cup, which will be held from June 14 to July 13, 2025. The tournament will be one of the major challenges for Xabi Alonso in his first summer in charge of Real Madrid.

Sacroiliitis is usually treated with anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, and rest. The estimated recovery time varies, but in mild cases it doesn't exceed three weeks. Everything will depend on how the goalkeeper progresses in the coming days.

Lunin, facing a golden opportunity

While Courtois recovers, Andriy Lunin is emerging as the starting goalkeeper for the first group stage matches. The Ukrainian has just completed a good season and could use this time to prove his continuity in the team.

Amid a summer full of rumors about his future, the Club World Cup could be the perfect showcase for Lunin. In addition, Real Madrid is still monitoring the market, where names like Donnarumma or Chevalier have been mentioned as possible reinforcements for the future.

Courtois won't be present at the start of the competition, but his presence for the Club World Cup remains very likely. The coaching staff isn't alarmed, although they are cautious.