Carlo Ancelotti delivers huge Real Madrid fitness boost before Mallorca clash
By Tom Gott
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that David Alaba has returned to training after recovering from a calf injury.
The Austrian defender hasn't featured since Real's first La Liga game of 2023 against Villarreal, missing the team's last seven games in all competitions.
Ancelotti also lost Eder Militao to injury last time out, admitting he was concerned about the Brazilian's fitness after the recent victory over Valencia.
Militao may be facing a spell on the sidelines but Alaba's return, which could come as early as Sunday's trip to Mallorca, would go a long way towards softening the blow for Real.
“Alaba is fine, he’s available," Ancelotti told a press conference. “He trained very well yesterday and can play without any problems.”
On Militao and fellow fitness concern Karim Benzema, Ancelotti added: “Militao and Karim are being tested now, it doesn’t seem to be serious. I think they will travel to the Club World Cup, I don’t know if they will be available for the first game or the second.”
Los Blancos find themselves second in La Liga, five points off top spot, and they will be desperate to keep the pressure on leaders Barcelona before heading off to Morocco for the Club World Cup.
"There could be [rotation], but there will be no breaks before the Club World Cup," Ancelotti said ahead of the Mallorca game. "The best team will play, because the most important game is tomorrow. If there are changes, it will not be because of the Club World Cup, but because a player needs it."