Real Madrid recently announced that David Alaba has sustained a tear in the internal meniscus of his left knee, which unfortunately means he will miss the remainder of the La Liga season. This injury is a major setback for the club, as Alaba has been a pivotal figure in the team’s defensive structure.
With Alaba sidelined, he becomes the third player from Madrid to face injury issues this week, joining Ferland Mendy and Antonio Rudiger on the list of absentees. Both Mendy and Rudiger are key players, and their injuries further complicate the team’s preparations for the final phase of the season, amplifying the pressure on the coaching staff.
The Austrian international is scheduled for surgery in the coming days, and this operation will prevent him from making appearances until at least the Club World Cup kicks off in June. The hope is that a successful procedure will allow Alaba to return to action in time for this important tournament. His absence exacerbates an already precarious situation for Madrid as they enter a critical part of the season where defensive stability is paramount.
This latest injury comes just after Alaba returned from a significant anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained back in December 2023. His return had come with high expectations from fans and the coaching staff alike, as his experience and leadership on the field were expected to fortify the back line. Alaba played in both legs of the Champions League quarter-finals against Arsenal and participated in the league victory over Getafe on April 23, before being substituted at halftime, raising questions about the extent of his fitness.
The specifics of how he sustained this new injury remain somewhat unclear, but the fact that he was absent from the squad for the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona indicates that it likely occurred during a training session. This unfortunate timing places extra strain on a squad already grappling with numerous injuries as they gear up for high-stakes matches.
This season has been particularly tough for the 32-year-old defender, who has only participated in seven league matches due to recurring fitness challenges. His earlier return to the field had generated hope for greater consistency in defense, but this new setback has abruptly dashed those aspirations, leaving the team in a difficult predicament.
Alaba joins a growing list of defenders unavailable to the squad. Rudiger is projected to be out for around six weeks following his knee surgery, while Mendy faces a lengthy absence due to a quadriceps injury that will rule him out for the rest of the season. Furthermore, coach Carlo Ancelotti is left without both Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal, both of whom are dealing with long-term injuries.
As of now, Fran Garcia stands as the only recognized left-back available for selection, severely limiting options for the central defense. There is a strong possibility that Aurelien Tchouameni, typically a midfielder, may have to step up again and play as a centre-back. He could partner with Castilla prospect Raul Asencio or Jesus Vallejo, which raises concerns about the club’s defensive capabilities in the coming matches.
Currently sitting four points behind Barcelona in the La Liga standings, Madrid faces a crucial schedule ahead, with only five league matches left, including a pivotal Clasico showdown away on May 11. The timing of these injuries could not be worse, as the team must remain focused on maintaining their title challenge during this critical juncture of the season.
Both Alaba and Rudiger are aiming for a return in time for the Club World Cup, with their first match set for June 18 against Al Hilal. Until that moment, Ancelotti will be challenged to manage the tight schedule with a makeshift defense. The upcoming matches will require the remaining players to step up significantly, as the club seeks to maintain its competitiveness and fight for honors despite the adversity faced in terms of player injuries. The resilience and determination of the team will be put to the ultimate test as they strive to navigate this challenging period.
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