Real Madrid set David Alaba return date
- David Alaba has been sidelined by ACL injury since December 2023
- Defender has joined training sessions recently
- Real Madrid identify likely return date for Austria international
By Tom Gott
Real Madrid are lining up next month's meeting with Las Palmas for the long-awaited return of defender David Alaba, it has been revealed.
Alaba went down with an ACL injury in December 2023 and initially made very slow progress in his quest to recover, only being able to join in sections of team training towards the end of 2024.
According to MARCA, Alaba has been fully integrated back into team training following the return from La Liga's winter break, and he will now be given several weeks to prove his fitness ahead of a possible competitive comeback.
If all goes to plan, Madrid medical staff believe Alaba should be able to play some part against Las Palmas on 19 January.
Alaba's imminent return will come as a huge boost for Carlo Ancelotti, who has been realistically left with just one senior centre-back, Antonio Rudiger, after Eder Militao suffered a second ACL injury in as many years. Jesus Vallejo is also available but doesn't appear to be trusted.
Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has often filled in at the back, as has young Raul Asencio, but Ancelotti is keen to welcome Alaba's experience back into the fold.
However, a return date in the second half of January would still see him miss matches against Valencia, Deportivo Minera, Mallorca and the potential Supercopa de Espana final.
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