In a significant development for Real Madrid and their defensive line, David Alaba is set to make his long-awaited return to action after being sidelined for nearly a year due to a serious ACL injury. The Austria international has been absent since December 2023, and his recovery has been a long and challenging journey. However, with his fitness improving steadily, Real Madrid have now set a likely return date for the versatile defender, bringing much-needed optimism for both the club and manager Carlo Ancelotti.
David Alaba’s Recovery Journey
David Alaba’s injury was a significant blow to Real Madrid’s defensive options, as the Austrian was one of the most experienced and versatile defenders in the squad. David Alaba suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in December 2023 during a routine match in La Liga, and the injury was expected to sideline him for a lengthy period. For any footballer, an ACL injury is a major setback, and for a player of Alaba’s caliber, it was a loss that could be felt both on and off the pitch.
Initially, his recovery appeared to be slow, as David Alaba was unable to participate in full training sessions with his teammates. As 2024 progressed, David Alaba began to show signs of improvement, though he could only take part in limited sessions towards the end of the year. His slow but steady return to training was a relief for the coaching staff, who had already been adjusting to life without him.
Full Integration into Team Training
As 2024 has progressed, David Alaba has made significant strides in his recovery. Marca reports that Alaba has now been fully integrated into team training following La Liga’s winter break, which began in early January. This marks a major step forward in his return to full fitness. The Austrian international has been working closely with the Real Madrid medical and fitness teams, who have carefully monitored his progress to ensure that he does not rush his return and risk further injury.
The importance of Alaba’s recovery cannot be overstated, particularly for a Real Madrid defense that has struggled with injuries this season. With Eder Militao also sidelined for a considerable amount of time due to an ACL injury, Real Madrid have found themselves with limited defensive options, relying heavily on Antonio Rudiger as their only experienced central defender. While Jesus Vallejo has been available as a backup, his presence has not been enough to fully replace the stability and experience provided by Alaba.
The timing of Alaba’s return is crucial, as Carlo Ancelotti and the rest of the Real Madrid squad have been eagerly awaiting the return of their defensive stalwart to help solidify a defense that has been stretched thin. With his leadership qualities and tactical awareness, Alaba will add invaluable depth to a side that has faced defensive instability this season.
Expected Return Against Las Palmas
According to reports from Marca, David Alaba’s likely return date has been set for 19 January, when Real Madrid will face Las Palmas in La Liga. This match is expected to be a pivotal moment for Alaba, marking his first competitive appearance since his injury. While it is unlikely that he will be rushed into the starting lineup immediately, Ancelotti will likely ease him back into action by giving him some playing time during the match.
The potential return against Las Palmas provides a much-needed boost for Real Madrid, who have had to manage their defensive resources carefully in Alaba’s absence. Alaba’s ability to play both as a centre-back and a left-back gives Ancelotti the flexibility to utilize him in multiple defensive roles, making him an essential piece in the squad as the second half of the season approaches. Having Alaba available for selection will allow Real Madrid to rotate their defensive options and provide fresh legs during a busy period of fixtures.
The Impact of Alaba’s Return on Real Madrid’s Defense
The news of David Alaba’s return has undoubtedly come as a relief to Carlo Ancelotti, who has been forced to rely on alternative options in defense during the first half of the season. With Eder Militao suffering a second ACL injury in as many years, Real Madrid’s defense has been significantly weakened. Antonio Rudiger has been the sole senior central defender, and Aurelien Tchouameni, who is primarily a midfielder, has occasionally filled in as a makeshift centre-back. While these makeshift solutions have worked at times, they are not long-term answers for a team like Real Madrid, who aspire to compete at the highest level in both La Liga and the Champions League.
Having Alaba back will provide Real Madrid with much-needed defensive stability. His experience, versatility, and tactical intelligence are qualities that will help shore up the backline, and his return will allow Antonio Rudiger to partner with him in the centre of defense, rather than having to shoulder the burden of leading the defense on his own. Furthermore, Alaba’s leadership on and off the pitch will be invaluable, particularly in high-pressure matches.
Alaba’s return will also be important in ensuring that Real Madrid’s defensive structure is intact ahead of key matches in the second half of the season, including Champions League knockout stages and crucial La Liga fixtures.
What Matches Will Alaba Miss?
While David Alaba is expected to return for Real Madrid’s match against Las Palmas on 19 January, his return will still see him miss some important fixtures. Specifically, Alaba will be unavailable for Real Madrid’s upcoming matches against Valencia, Deportivo Minera, and Mallorca, which will occur in the lead-up to his expected comeback.
Moreover, Alaba will also miss the Supercopa de Espana final, should Real Madrid progress to it. These matches will provide Real Madrid with a final chance to build momentum before Alaba’s return. The club will be hoping that the absence of their experienced defender does not cause any further problems in these important games, especially with the intense competition both in La Liga and Europe.
However, Alaba’s return will be a significant boost for Ancelotti and his players, particularly with La Liga’s title race heating up and the Champions League knockout stages on the horizon.
Conclusion: A Much-Needed Boost for Real Madrid
In conclusion, the return of David Alaba to Real Madrid is a highly anticipated event that will provide significant benefits for the club. After months of uncertainty and defensive struggles, the experienced Austrian international’s imminent return offers hope for a more stable defensive setup moving forward.
While Real Madrid have managed to cope without him, the experience and leadership that Alaba brings to the table cannot be replaced by makeshift solutions. His versatility, tactical acumen, and ability to read the game make him a crucial figure in Carlo Ancelotti’s plans for the second half of the season.
With David Alaba’s return set for 19 January against Las Palmas, Real Madrid will look forward to strengthening their defense as they aim to compete for both La Liga and the Champions League titles.
