Just in: Real Madrid goalkeeper picks up fresh injury ahead of FIFA Club World Cup | OneFootball

Not long ago, it was reported that Xabi Alonso would only have five first-team players available when his Real Madrid team kickstart training for next season on June 9.

This was largely due to injuries and the ongoing international break. But now to make things worse for Alonso, the newly-appointed Real Madrid coach has suffered yet another blow in the form of Thibaut Courtois’ injury.

Another setback for Courtois

Real Madrid confirmed the injury through an official statement, revealing that the Belgium has sacroiliitis.

“Following tests performed on our player Thibaut Courtois by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with sacroiliitis. The outcome is pending,” the statement read.

Sacroiliitis is a medical condition that refers to inflammation of one or both of the sacroiliac joints, which are located where the lower spine connects with the pelvis – basically, in the lower back.

Yet another injury blow for Thibaut Courtois (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The injury comes just two weeks before the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, where Real Madrid will want to dominate under the new leadership of Alonso.

Courtois’ injury, to that end, could deeply impact Real Madrid’s chances in the competition, even though the club do have enough alternatives at hand.

Moreover, Courtois’ potential return from injury before the Club World Cup cannot be ruled out either, even though the Belgian has suffered no less than four injuries this season.

Real Madrid, therefore, will look to proceed with utmost caution, knowing they cannot afford Courtois picking up a truly long-term injury, which in turn, may force the club to go after a new goalkeeper in the market.

The coming few days are going to be interesting as Real Madrid look to determine the final extent of Courtois’ injury.