A Sudden Blow to Real Madrid’s Champions League Preparations

Real Madrid were hit with an unexpected problem on the eve of their Champions League trip to Athens. Thibaut Courtois, the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper and a key pillar of the team, was forced to abandon training in Valdebebas after feeling unwell. Following an immediate medical evaluation, he was diagnosed with viral gastroenteritis, ruling him out of the squad to face Olympiacos.

The news arrives at a complicated moment for the Spanish giants, who are already dealing with various physical issues within the squad. The club confirmed that Courtois remains “pending further evaluation,” leaving uncertainty surrounding his short-term availability.

Official Statement Confirms the Diagnosis — and More Absences for Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid issued an official statement detailing the goalkeeper’s condition, confirming the viral gastrointestinal process. To make matters worse for Xabi Alonso, the team also traveled without Rüdiger and Huijsen, both sidelined due to injury. Their absence adds further instability to a defensive line that has already experienced constant reshuffling this season.

A trip that initially appeared routine has suddenly become a logistical challenge for the European champions, who must reorganize their back line ahead of a demanding away fixture.

Lunin Steps Up and Academy Players Fill the Bench

With Courtois unavailable, all eyes shift to Andriy Lunin, who has not played a single minute this season. The Ukrainian will be entrusted with the gloves in Athens, a big opportunity for him to prove his reliability on a Champions League stage.

To compensate for the shortage in the goalkeeping department, academy players Fran González and Javi Navarro trained with the senior squad and have been included in the traveling roster. Their presence highlights both the urgency of the situation and the faith the club places in its youth system.