Real Madrid defender undergoes further surgery on knee injury

Real Madrid centre-back David Alaba has undergone a fresh medical procedure on his knee injury which is expected to delay his return to action by several weeks.

The 31-year-old went down with an ACL injury in December and set himself the ambitious target of recovering in time to feature at Euro 2024, although it eventually became clear that such a quick return would not be possible.

Alaba's comeback has since been delayed further as Marca state he has gone back under the knife for some minor surgery to clean up the inside of his injured knee.

While the surgery was far from major, it is believed Alaba's eventual return will have been pushed back by at least two more weeks.

Alaba is expected back in action in September or October 2024, around ten months after he suffered the initial injury.

Injuries have been a serious problem for Madrid this season, with fellow centre-back Eder Militao only recently returning from his own ACL injury.

The Spanish champions are expected to pursue a new centre-back in the summer transfer window, particularly with 34-year-old Nacho Fernandez heading for the exit door when his contract expires next month. His departure will leave just Alaba, Militao and Antonio Rudiger as senior options available to Carlo Ancelotti.

Lille's 18-year-old Leny Yoro is a key target while 90min understands Madrid have been impressed by Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite, who is also admired by Manchester United.

Madrid are not expected to spend big on a centre-back, however, as they prepare for the cost of securing Kylian Mbappe's signature.

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