Xabi Alonso unsure on availability of key Real Madrid pair for Real Sociedad clash | OneFootball

Real Madrid return to La Liga action after the international break with a trip to Real Sociedad on Saturday evening. Xabi Alonso’s side have won their first three matches of the season, so the intention will be to make it four victories from four in Donostia-San Sebastian.

Reale Arena is always a difficult place to go, and that is sure to be the case for Real Madrid this weekend. And as it turns out, it could be even more difficult for Los Blancos to take the three points, as they may not be able to start with two key players.

According to MD, Alonso is unsure about being able to start with Fede Valverde and Franco Mastantuono, as both players were in action for their respective national teams in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Image via Twitter / X

Alonso will not risk either player if they are not at 100%, especially with a packed schedule ahead of the next international break in October. Because of this, there is every chance that Valverde and Mastantuono are not risked from the start at Reale Arena.

Alonso has replacement in mind

In the event that at least one of Valverde or Mastantuono is not fit enough to start against La Real, Alonso has already identified a backup plan: Dani Ceballos. The midfielder, who came close to leaving Real Madrid during the summer transfer window before eventually turning down a move to Marseille, is seen as a strong candidate to come into the starting line-up for the first time this season.

Alonso will want no let-up from his Real Madrid side, although given that he is still without the services of Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga, he does not have a lot of options in the midfield areas. Because of this, Ceballos could get a rare opportunity to impress from the start.