Club World Cup to offer first Real test for Alonso

After Real Madrid's hopes of major silverware this season faded, the Club World Cup took on far greater importance for Los Blancos and it will provide an insight into new coach Xabi Alonso's strategy.

The 43-year-old Spaniard, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti in the Bernabeu dugout last month, along with new arrivals Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen add a fresh look to a team that emerged battered and bruised from a domestic season dominated by bitter rival Barcelona.

Former Bayer Leverkusen coach Alonso may deploy his favored 3-4-3 formation, which would give England international Alexander-Arnold an important role on the right flank.

Recent Spain debutant Huijsen also bolsters a backline that has been badly hit by injuries this season.

Madrid still has several players sidelined, including Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao and Eduardo Camavinga, but some may be able to make their return during the tournament.

Midfielder Jude Bellingham is expected to have shoulder surgery after Real's participation ends, which it hopes is after it has been crowned champion. Its title ambition is why it paid a reported 10 million pounds ($13.5 million) to sign Alexander-Arnold early, as his Liverpool contract was due to end on June 30.

In Group H, Real Madrid's campaign begins against Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal on June 18 in Miami, before facing Mexican outfit Pachuca in Charlotte on June 22.