Anticipated Return of Wounded Real Madrid Defender in January's Schedule
Anticipated Return of Wounded Real Madrid Defender in January's Schedule
After a year of absence, Real Madrid defender David Alaba is nearly back from his prolonged knee injury. This news will undoubtedly please coach Carlo Ancelotti, potentially strengthening Madrid's shaky defense with the return of the 32-year-old.
Alaba sustained a tear in his anterior cruciate ligament during a match against Villarreal on December 17th, 2023. Despite being included as an unused substitute during Real Madrid's UEFA Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund in June, he hasn't played for the club yet in the 12 months that have passed.
At his press conference prior to Real Madrid's last La Liga game of 2024 against Sevilla, coach Ancelotti revealed, “Alaba is also putting in training sessions. I believe he'll rejoin the group on the 30th and might be available, perhaps, by mid-January.”
Alaba Has Been Out for Over a Year
Over a year has elapsed since Alaba's injury during his match against Villarreal in December 2023. After signaling for assistance with an arm wave, he was carried off the field, and a torn anterior cruciate ligament was promptly identified. Ancelotti confirmed the injury in his post-match press conference, expressing his disappointment, stating, “It's unfortunate, we're quite sad.”
Before the injury, Alaba had started 13 of 17 La Liga matches in the 2023/24 season. His impressive performance secured his position as the first-choice central defender. The injury, however, caused significant disruption to a season that was going well for him.
Alaba also missed Euro 2024, where Austria was eliminated in the round of 16 against Turkey. The tournament served as his supposed last international appearance with Austria, having represented his country in 105 matches. Due to his injury, he traveled to Germany to support his team but had to remain a spectator from the stands.
Eder Militão and Dani Carvajal are Injured
Ancelotti's defensive options have been severely limited in the current season due to injuries. Alaba's absence was further exacerbated by injuries to Dani Carvajal and Eder Militão throughout the season.
Carvajal was the first to suffer the injury, by overextending his knee in injury time against Villarreal on October 5th. Despite turning 33 in January and his contract being extended until 2026, he is unlikely to take the field again in the 2024/25 season.
Militão suffered a similar injury shortly afterwards during a game against Osasuna on November 9th. After recovering from the same injury in his other knee earlier this year, concern arose over his long-term stability and career prospects.
These injuries have left Ancelotti with only Antonio Ruédiger as a fit and available first-team central defender. Aurélien Tchouameni and Ferland Mendy have occasionally filled in, and youngster Raúl Asencio also earned his first-team debut and regular playing time.
Carlo Ancelotti expresses his excitement at the potential return of David Alaba, as the Real Madrid coach believes the defender's return could strengthen the team's shaky defense. Given his extended absence due to a knee injury, Alaba's return to training is highly anticipated, with Ancelotti expecting him to rejoin the squad on December 30th and potentially be available by mid-January.
With key defenders like David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, and Eder Militão out for a significant portion of the season due to injuries, Carlo Ancelotti has had to rely on Antonio Ruédiger, Aurélien Tchouameni, and Ferland Mendy to fill in the gap in Real Madrid's defense, as well as giving youngster Raúl Asencio his first-team debut.