Real Madrid return to action tomorrow with boss Xabi Alonso admitting the international break was less unsettling than usual while he was also optimistic Jude Bellingham will return ahead of schedule.
Madrid had fewer players than normal away with their countries with Carlo Ancelotti doing his old club a favour by opting not to select Éder Militão, Rodrygo, Vinícius Jr. or Endrick in his Brazil squad for their World Cup qualifying doubleheader.
Trent Alexandr-Arnold was not called up by England while Bellingham remains sidelined after having shoulder surgery.
“The most important thing is that they have all come back on time and healthy,” said Alonso of those that did play international football over the past fortnight. “Yes, we have had more players here than we usually have. Now we leave it behind and face the next block of games with a desire to continue growing and consolidating things.”
We are better physically, says Alonso
Madrid started the season a little behind their rivals physically due to their involvement in the Club World Cup but Alonso feels things are coming together nicely.
“We are in the process of assimilating everything,” he added. “We need more games. We want to change things and we are better physically. We need fresh people with that feeling of being able to participate at any time.”
Bellingham is one Alonso would like to have back as soon as possible.
The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder was expected to be out until October but Alonso hopes to have him available before that.
He said: “I want to be optimistic and I hope it’s before October. He is doing some things, without contact, but Jude is making a great effort in his recovery. Let’s see if next week he can take steps forward and when we have a good feeling, we are waiting for him.”
No worries over Alexander-Arnold and Caravajal’s playing time
Alexander-Arnold has made a solid, if unspectacular, start to life at Madrid as he battles with Dani Carvajal for the right-back berth.
Asked about the former Liverpool man today, Alonso said both he and Carvajal would get plenty of playing time this season.
“Fortunately we have a healthy competition in the team, which is required and there are always players prepared,” he said. “The one who deserves to will play, it will be like this all year round.”
Madrid go to Real Sociedad tomorrow to face the club with whom Alonso started both his playing and coaching career. He still retains close links to the Basque region and admits he is not sure who his father Periko, who won La Liga twice as a player with Sociedad, will be supporting.
“I hope he is with us,” Alonso said with a grin. “It’s a special game at home.”
