Fitness issues come in a period when Madrid have gone three matches without a win
Real Madrid will travel to Greece with a severely depleted squad after injuries and illness stripped Xabi Alonso’s side of almost their entire senior defence on the eve of their Champions League meeting with Olympiacos.
Thibaut Courtois and Dean Huijsen were both left out of the travelling group on Tuesday. Courtois is sidelined with gastroenteritis, while Huijsen withdrew early from training with a muscle issue. His absence leaves Raul Asencio as the only fully fit centre-back available to Alonso.
Eder Militao remains unavailable with a groin injury, and Antonio Rudiger has not yet recovered full fitness after his recent spell in the treatment room. Dani Carvajal and teenager Franco Mastantuono are still out with longer-term problems, although Aurelien Tchouameni has returned after three weeks out and is expected to add some steel back into midfield.
The injury hit comes in a period when Madrid have gone three matches without a win. After a brilliant start to the season Alonso’s side have struggled in November. A brilliant 4-0 win over Valencia was followed by defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League, before disappointing draws against Rayo Vallecano and Elche.
