La Liga giants Real Madrid have suffered another setback as their defensive stalwart, David Alaba, has sustained a serious thigh injury, ruling him out for several weeks. With crucial fixtures ahead—including the high-stakes Madrid derby and the Champions League knockout clash against Manchester City—his absence further complicates Carlo Ancelotti’s defensive plans.
Alaba, once a pillar in Madrid’s backline, has struggled with injuries, missing most of 2024 due to an ACL tear. After undergoing surgery and making his return last month, this fresh blow raises major concerns. Let’s dive into the severity of Alaba’s injury and what it means for Madrid’s season.
David Alaba’s fragile fitness: A recurring nightmare for Real Madrid
Real Madrid confirmed the worrying news in a brief statement:
"Following tests carried out on our player David Alaba by Real Madrid’s medical services, he has been diagnosed with an adductor muscle injury in his left leg."
The timing couldn’t be worse. Alaba had only just reintegrated into the squad, appearing as a substitute in LaLiga matches against Las Palmas and Real Valladolid. His return was a beacon of hope for Madrid’s backline, but this latest setback forces Ancelotti to rethink his defensive strategy once again.
Alaba’s injury adds to an already concerning defensive crisis at the Bernabéu. Antonio Rüdiger (hamstring) and Éder Militão (ACL) are both unavailable, leaving Madrid with no senior center-backs. Midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni has been deployed as an emergency defender, while 21-year-old Raúl Asencio, with limited top-level experience, has been thrust into the spotlight. To make matters worse, club captain Dani Carvajal is also sidelined with a knee injury until summer.
Can Madrid’s makeshift defense withstand the storm?
Madrid’s fixture list is unrelenting:
Copa del Rey quarterfinal against Leganés
LaLiga showdown with Atlético Madrid
Champions League knockout clashes against Manchester City
With their defensive resources stretched to the limit, Madrid’s decision not to sign reinforcements in January looks riskier than ever. Their unsuccessful attempt to acquire Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold now looms large, leaving them scrambling for solutions.
Ancelotti has shown tactical flexibility in the past, but fielding an inexperienced backline against Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne is a daunting challenge. With Alaba now facing another lengthy spell on the sidelines, the question remains: can Madrid’s patched-up defense hold firm, or will their season unravel under the weight of injuries?
For now, Los Blancos can only hope that resilience prevails over adversity.