Enzo Alves injury puts Spain Under-17 World Cup place at risk

Enzo Alves, the Real Madrid youngster and son of club legend Marcelo, is a doubt for next month’s Under-17 World Cup in Qatar after suffering a serious injury.

The player was forced to leave Real Madrid’s first youth-team match against Rayo Vallecano after feeling pain during a challenge midway through the first half. His condition has not yet been diagnosed definitively, but initial reports suggest he could have suffered a tear to his psoas muscle.

Enzo Alves will undergo medical examinations between today and tomorrow to establish the full extent of the injury and determine whether he can recover in time for the tournament.

His potential absence would be a significant setback for Spain Under-17 manager David Cubillo, who has called Spain’s Under-21 players to Las Rozas to begin preparations for the World Cup.

Spain will play in the group stage in Qatar, opening their campaign against China on 20 November. Their second match will be against Fiji on 23 November, before they face Morocco in their final group fixture.

The outcome of Enzo Alves’ medical tests over the coming hours is expected to be crucial in deciding whether he can join Spain’s squad. His participation is now considered uncertain.

The Under-17 World Cup is scheduled to take place in Qatar next month, with 26 November 2026 listed in connection with the tournament and Spain Under-17’s group featuring Morocco.