Real Madrid are now fully focused on the FIFA Club World Cup after signing off on the 2024/25 La Liga season.
Huge changes will take place in the coming weeks, as Carlo Ancelotti departs to take charge of the Brazil national team, and Xabi Alnoso steps in as his replacement.
Alonso has agreed a three-year deal back in Madrid to lead the team until the end of the 2027/28 campaign.
His first test comes via the Club World Cup in the USA as Los Blancos look to bounce back from a poor final season under Ancelotti.
Barcelona stormed away to clinch a La Liga, Copa del Rey, Spanish Supercup treble with Ancelotti’s charges dumped out by Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.
Jude Bellingham has called on Real Madrid to rescue a ‘weak’ season at the Club World Cup and Alonso will name a strong travelling squad.
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The huge financial bonuses offer – allied with the chance to seal a much-needed instant trophy for Alonso – means Real Madrid will want to hit the ground running.
Bellingham’s shoulder surgery has been delayed, to allow him to feature, but Fede Valeverde faces a race to be ready in time.
Fede Valverde injury update, Real Madrid return date, Club World Cup latest
Valverde completed 90 minutes, as Real Madrid sealed a La Liga campaign finale win over Real Sociedad, but a back issue was immediately flagged up for the 26-year-old.
An official statement confirmed the issue for the Uruguay international with a return date unclear at this stage.
“After tests carried on Fede Valverde by the Real Madrid medical services, he has been diagnosed with lumbosciatalgia. Pending evolution.”
Real Madrid will utilise the incoming break to rest their vital No.8 ahead of their flight to the USA at the start of June with indications hinting at a two-week absence.
The tournament kicks off on June 14, but Real Madrid’s first game is not until June 18, against Al Hilal in Miami.
Alonso will be hopeful that window gives Valverde sufficient time to recover but he is expected to be excused from international duty with Uruguay.
Marcelo Bielsa’s team are closing in on qualification for the 2026 World Cup ahead of CONMEBOL clashes with Paraguay on June 5 and Venezuela on June 10.
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