Xabi Alonso has been advised against using three players at this summer's Club World Club, according to a new report, after Real Madrid's medical staff were handed a report from club emissaries.
Los Blancos were without a number of notable stars on Wednesday as they stuttered to a 1-1 draw against Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.
Kylian Mbappe had been admitted to hospital for further tests and treatment after it emerged that he was suffering from an acute case of gastroenteritis, while Eder Militao, David Alaba and Dani Carvajal also missed out.
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In fact, a report has emerged that suggests all three players – Militao, Alaba and Carvajal – could be used sparingly, if not at all, in upcoming games at the 32-team tournament.
Spanish publication Marca claim Madrid "did not hestitate" when sending emissaries to the United States to inspect the state of the pitches – a year after Vinicius Jr criticised the quality of pitches at the Copa America.
As well as Vinicius' concerns, the injuries Madrid suffered on previous North American tours are also fresh in the memory.
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With those concerns in mind, emissaries created a detailed report on the pitches and handed it over to the club's medical staff, who have advised Alonso and his team against using players who have suffered cruciate ligament injuries.
"It is a recommendation that does not mean that the players who find themselves in this situation (Militao, Alaba and Carvajal) will not play a single minute," the report added. "This will be a decision to be made between the feelings of the players, the vision of the doctors and Xabi Alonso "
Trent Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, could be set to make his second appearance for Madrid on Sunday when they face Mexican outfit C.F. Pachuca.
The former Liverpool defender made his debut for Los Blancos against Al Hilal, although he was naturally disappointed with the result following a tough outing in the sweltering Miami heat.
"It's a very proud moment for me, very happy to have made my debut," he told reporters. "It's something that I think most, if not all, players dream of at some point in their life, I'm incredibly proud of the achievement."
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"Of course, there's some disappointment I think," he added. "The mentality that comes with being a Madrid player is wanting and expecting to win every single game."
Madrid will face C.F. Pachuca on C.F. Pachuca on June 22 before ending their group stage campaign with a clash against Austrian size RB Salzburg.
Topics: Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso, La Liga
Jack Kenmare