Key Real Madrid star’s return from injury could be further delayed – report

It has been more than eight months since Real Madrid defender David Alaba suffered an ACL rupture.

It was in the La Liga game against Villarreal in December 2023 that the Austrian international sustained the injury and had to be taken off a little after the half-hour mark.

Having undergone surgery soon after, Alaba has still not recovered completely and there is still no clarity over his return.

Alaba’s return could be further delayed

Earlier this month, reports suggested that Alaba could be back training on the field in a couple of weeks and make his comeback sometime in October.

But, now, according to The Athletic, the initial target of October for Alaba’s return could be delayed further.

Having undergone surgery once soon after the initial injury, the Austrian international had to be operated on once again in May.

As such, there is no clarity at all as to when he could make his comeback for Real Madrid, even though manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed confidence about the defender’s situation recently.

The situation is far from favourable for Real Madrid, considering that Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao are the only two fit senior centre-backs at the moment.

Jesus Vallejo is part of the squad but is far from reliable and has his own fitness issues while Jacobo Ramon lacks experience.

Ancelotti could always turn to Aurelien Tchouameni as an emergency centre-back but with Eduardo Camavinga out with an injury as well, moving the Frenchman to defence creates a lack of options in the holding midfield role.

As such, Ancelotti & co. will be eagerly awaiting Alaba’s return.