After winning its first La Liga match against Osasuna by a narrow 1-0 margin, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has sent the message that his squad must be viewed through a fluid lens at this point in the season. Naturally, Alonso is still working his ideas into the Madrid team day-by-day, and his on-field selection has represented that same building mentality.
For instance, Jude Bellingham is still recovering from shoulder surgery, and other players such as Eduardo Camavinga, Endrick and Ferland Mendy were not available for matchday one. Similarly, these same four players will miss Real Madrid’s upcoming match against Real Oviedo on Sunday, Aug. 24 as well.
"You have to adapt,” Alonso told the press on Saturday. “If I think we won't have injured players again throughout the year, I'd be a bit naive. We're going to have to live with injuries, like we have now with Jude, Camavinga, Endrick and Mendy. They're going to happen in the future. We can't just think about fixed players– there's no one who's going to play every minute. Everyone is going to rotate, and there will be minutes for all the players, everyone will have their role.”
🚨 OFFICIAL: Real Madrid squad for Oviedo pic.twitter.com/HQ8jZ5Zvbk
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) August 23, 2025
How will Xabi Alonso manage Real Madrid's injury concerns?
Since Real Madrid is already juggling its lineup due to injury concerns, Alonso is offering a pragmatic approach to the situation. Last season, Alonso showcased the benefit to fielding a flexible Bayer Leverkusen squad, and he’s likely to implement a similar philosophy now that he’s coaching in La Liga.
Another player who did not feature in Real Madrid’s first match was Rodrygo. The Brazilian winger has landed in transfer limbo for much of the summer, though Alonso suggests not to read much into his lack of playing time.
“We're only one game in,” Alonso said. “All the decisions regarding the game, the starting lineup, are mine, and I'm the one who weighs them with the coaching staff. We think about what's best for each game. I do talk to a lot of players, and I've spoken with Rodrygo too."
Recently, transfer rumors surrounding Rodrygo’s departure to clubs in the Premier League have surfaced, but a move away from the Spanish side is yet to be finalized. So, for now, Alonso has a plan for Rodrygo whether it has come to fruition yet or not.
READ MORE: Arda Guler poised for increased role with Real Madrid
Real Madrid will travel to Real Oviedo on Sunday, Aug. 24 for its second La Liga fixture of the 2025-26 campaign.
For more information on La Liga and each of its 20 first division clubs, follow @EricJRutter and @sportingnews on X for continued football coverage.