Real Madrid postpone Alaba's return until 2025

Dani Carvajal's serious injury has forced Real Madrid to look for solutions in the transfer market. Jacobo Ramon's problems mean that Carlo Ancelotti has a reduced squad. If he moves Militao to full-back he will be short of reliable centre-backs and will have to use Tchouameni which would leave the midfield with one less player to fill a position.

One of the names that could give some breathing space to the situation was David Alaba, but his injury is going to be a long one. The Austrian press was already saying so, but ‘Relevo’ now confirms it from the Real Madrid side. The club doesn't think they can have the defender back until 2025. Let's remember that he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left leg on 17 December 2023. He will be out for more than a year.

The damage he suffered to his meniscus and the shape of the injury make Alaba's one of the most difficult injuries a professional player faces. Others may return sooner, but everybody and every ailment is different. At 32, neither the Austrian nor Real Madrid can afford a hasty return. A priori he was expected in October, but he still has some way to go.

Alaba is still training on his own at Valdebebas. However, the aforementioned media outlet explains that the coaching staff see him looking better and more lively because he is recovering his sensations. The defender is a very professional and well-liked player and Ancelotti will wait as long as necessary because he believes in him not only for sporting reasons but also for personal reasons.

It has to be said that for the moment, what Real Madrid are telling the press is that they have no intention of signing. What happens behind the scenes will be another matter, because even if David Alaba returns in January, the defender will still need time to readjust to the rhythm of competition after 13 months on the sidelines.