Real Madrid's defensive problems worsen, a headache for Alonso

 

 Real Madrid manager

Real Madrid's defensive problems worsen, a headache for Alonso

Real Madrid will face Olympiacos in the Champions League on Wednesday with a very weak defense after a new wave of injuries and illnesses hit the team on the eve of their important trip to Greece.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will miss the match due to a stomach virus, and the Spanish team will also be without the services of prominent defenders Eder Militao and Dean Howson.

Militao suffered a muscle injury while playing for Brazil, and Hoesen remained in Madrid as a precaution after suffering a muscle strain during Spain's World Cup qualifier against Georgia.
Real Madrid are already missing Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba and captain Dani Carvajal due to long-term injuries, leaving coach Xabi Alonso with few valuable options in defense.

The timing couldn't be worse for a team still reeling from a humiliating defeat at Liverpool in their last Champions League game.
Alonso has faced increasing criticism after his team failed to win two consecutive La Liga matches following disappointing draws against Rayo Vallecano and Elche.

Real Madrid still leads its traditional rival Barcelona by one point in the domestic league, and is in seventh place in the Champions League group stage with nine points from four games, three points behind leaders Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Inter Milan.