Alonso faces midfield problems ahead of season

By Martin Graham

Real Madrid are counting down the days to their 2025–26 La Liga debut, which comes in just over a week when they welcome Osasuna to the Santiago Bernabéu. Xabi Alonso’s first official match in charge will already be missing a key figure in midfield. Eduardo Camavinga, 22, has been ruled out after suffering a right ankle sprain.

The club confirmed the diagnosis through a statement from their medical department, noting that his recovery is “pending evolution.” Spanish outlet Marca reports that the injury is considered mild, yet the expected recovery period of around ten days makes it highly unlikely that Camavinga will be fit in time for the opening fixture on Tuesday, 19 August.

Selection puzzle for Xabi Alonso

The setback creates an immediate dilemma for Alonso as he prepares his first competitive lineup. If he goes with the widely expected 4-2-3-1 system, the identity of Federico Valverde’s partner in the double pivot becomes a key question. Aurelien Tchouameni appears to be the leading candidate, with Camavinga now unavailable and no obvious like-for-like replacement in the squad.

Camavinga had been aiming to make a strong impression this season after a difficult previous campaign, which fell short of expectations. Real Madrid have continued to back him publicly, but it is understood that he must find consistency and return to his highest level to secure his long-term place at the club. Missing the first game is an early setback in that effort.

Bellingham’s absence compounds midfield issues

This is not the only gap Alonso will have to deal with in midfield. Jude Bellingham remains sidelined for the next two to three months after undergoing shoulder surgery earlier in the summer to resolve a long-standing problem. The England international’s absence was already a major blow, and now losing Camavinga for the first match further limits the manager’s options.

As a result, Real Madrid will begin their league campaign without two influential players in the centre of the pitch. For Alonso, the challenge will be to find a balance in midfield that can deliver a winning start at the Bernabéu despite these absences.