Real Madrid set to start training under Xabi Alonso on June 9 with just five players | OneFootball

Having been announced as the new Real Madrid coach, Xabi Alonso will want to get things up and running as soon as possible.

After a gruelling campaign laden with injuries, Alonso’s Real Madrid setup is expected to kickstart training from June 9, as per reports from COPE (h/t Madrid Universal).

Only five players available

However, the report adds that Xabi Alonso will have to kickstart the team’s training with just five first-team players available at his disposal.

This is quite the early blow for the new coach, who is already pushing Real Madrid to bring in multiple players in the summer transfer window.

The five players in question are Dani Ceballos, Fran Garcia, Raul Asencio, Lucas Vazquez and Rodrygo.

Interestingly, all of these players, barring Asencio, is facing an uncertain future at Real Madrid. Alonso, therefore, may have an excellent opportunity to closely assess their traits and what they can bring to the table, although Lucas’ exit has been confirmed.

Can Xabi Alonso turn things around at Real Madrid? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The report explains that Alonso will only have five first-team players as no less than eight players are currently out injured and will remain so even by the time Real Madrid kickstart their new season preparations.

In addition, nine players will be on international duty ahead of a jam-packed window, when it comes to international football.

However, the lack of availability of first-team stars could be an ideal excuse for Alonso to try out some of the academy talents from La Fabrica.

In recent years, Real Madrid have fallen behind Barcelona when it comes to nurturing young players and making them a crucial part of the first-team.

Xabi Alonso is here to change that and with just five players available on June 9, the Spaniard will get ample opportunity to assess some of La Fabrica‘s top talents in action.