More problems for Real Madrid as key defender set to miss Olympiacos clash | OneFootball

After Thibaut Courtois was ruled out of the Olympiacos clash due to gastroenteritis, Real Madrid have been dealt another major blow ahead of their trip to Greece.

Key defender Dean Huijsen is not participating in team training today and is doubt for the game, reports Guillermo Rai of The Athletic.

The report adds that the young Spanish international is set to undergo medical tests to determine the cause of the problem.

Huijsen, who has become a permanent starter in central defence when fit and available, is understood to have ended the weekend game against Elche with discomfort.

As such, his involvement for the trip to Greece remains up in the air now, leaving Xabi Alonso in a very difficult position.

Not training. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

After all, Real Madrid are already without their other centre-backs in Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, and David Alaba, all of whom are sidelined and are recovering.

If Huijsen’s absence is confirmed, it would leave Raul Asencio as the only fit senior centre-back at Alonso’s disposal, forcing him to name a makeshift partnership in Athens tomorrow night.

Aurelien Tchouameni could be an option that the manager turns to, while Ferland Mendy could also be a left-field choice, with reports suggesting that Alonso has been trying the Frenchman as a left-sided centre-back.

Either way, this is a major concern for Real Madrid, who are already reeling after going three games without a win, which has invited great pressure on Alonso and the team.

It must be remembered that Huijsen was dealing with groin discomfort earlier this month which led to him withdrawing from the Spain squad during the international break.