Xabi Alonso's low blow

Xabi Alonso has consigned his foot injury to the past, but is now faced with a more serious test: a persistent groin injury, which he had surgery on last June following a tough season under Mou, during which he played almost the entire year with some discomfort.

Despite choosing to go under the knife, the player’s recovery has not been as quick as expected and he is still training daily to overcome this injury once and for all.

Xabi Alonso has some discomfort and does not want to take any chances. His priority is to return fully fit. Illarra, the club’s choice to replace Alonso, is improving, but will need time to reach his best.

Xabi is in the last year of his contract at Real Madrid. His future is still up in the air because both he and the club consider it a priority to ensure that the groin injury has completely healed.