DAVID ALABA NEWS

Returns to group training Alaba (knee) has returned to group training and is targeting a return in January, manager Carlo Ancelotti told media during Friday's pre-match press conference, according to Mario...

Impact The center-back has yet to play at all this season while rehabbing from a knee injury, but it seems he's inching closer to a potential return. Given that the team is hoping to have him back at some point in January, he'll have plenty of time to get up to speed from a physical and technical perspective. Alaba should jump right into the XI when healthy, though, in the meantime, Raul Asencio is likely to continue seeing minutes at center-back alongside Antonio Rudiger.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Training alone on grass Alaba (knee) is training on grass on his own but remains far from being ready to play after suffering an ACL injury in Dec. 2023, Joel Del Rio of MARCA reports.

Impact It's unclear if Alaba will be able to return to action before the end of the calendar year, and while the recovery process has been slower than expected, it seems to be trending in the right direction. An exact date for his return is still up in the air, though.

OCTOBER 21 • ROTOWIRE

Left off squad list Alaba (knee) is not on the squad list for Saturday's match against Celta Vigo.

Impact Alaba will be out another week, as he is not yet ready for a return from his long absence due to a torn ACL. It is unknown if he is near a return, with the club giving minimal news on his status. That said, they will look for a return soon, although an exact date is still up in the air.

OCTOBER 18 • ROTOWIRE

Undergoes another operation Alaba received a further operation on his knee, undergoing an arthroscopy to treat the issues in his knee, according to Guillermo Rai of The Athletic.

Impact Alaba's newest operation was only deemed minor, as it was done to try to relieve some of the pain, with the defender pushing for a return for Euro's 2024 to compete with Austria. However, with the operation just being completed, his status for the completion is still up in the air, and he remains in heavy doubt. He will need a week or two before he can start getting in some rehabilitation work, and just hoping he has enough time to be ready for Euro 2024 after tearing his ACL in December, although that seems unlikely.

MAY 17 • ROTOWIRE

Not yet training Alaba (knee) did not take part in training Tuesday, Real Madrid announced.

Impact Alaba wasn't available in training in any capacity Tuesday. The defender is already ruled out for the remainder of the season, but he remains away from the team entirely. Alaba will have the entirety of pre-season to try and recover from the serious knee injury, though he is in some doubt to make it back for opening day of the 2024/25 season.

MARCH 12 • ROTOWIRE

Working in gym Alaba (knee) was seen training in the gym for the first time since his ACL surgery.

Impact Alaba is making the first steps of recovery since undergoing ACL surgery in December. He is still not expected to return before the end of the season and he is also ruled out of the 2024 Euros. With Eder Militao likely to return soon, he is set to return to the center back role, with Nacho and Dani Carvajal, though Aurelien Tchouameni has been getting the notch in the back line with Antonio Rudiger dealing with a thigh injury.

FEBRUARY 20 • ROTOWIRE

Out for season with ACL tear Alaba has been diagnosed with an ACL injury and will miss the rest of the 2023/24 season, the club confirmed in an official statement Sunday.

Impact Things couldn't have gone worse for Real Madrid on Sunday despite the 4-1 win over Villarreal, as Alaba is the third player the club lost to an ACL injury, and the third starter on defense alongside Eder Militao and Thibaut Courtois. The loss of Alaba means Nacho will probably ascend to being a regular starter at center-back unless the club decides to sign a new center-back during the January transfer market.

DECEMBER 18, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Real Madrid beats Villarreal 4-1 to take Spanish league lead. Alaba injured before halftime

Real Madrid leads the Spanish league after beating Villarreal 4-1 but lost defender David Alaba with a serious knee injury

DECEMBER 17, 2023 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Real Madrid defender Alaba to undergo surgery after sustaining left knee injury against Villarreal

Real Madrid defender David Alaba has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament on his left knee in his team’s 4-1 win over Villarreal in the Spanish league

DECEMBER 17, 2023 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Twists knee against Villarreal Alaba twisted his knee and was forced off during Sunday's match versus Villarreal.

Impact It does not look good for Alaba, who was unable to walk off on his know after injuring his knee Sunday. With Eder Militao (knee) still not expected back, this could mean more playing time for Nacho at center back if the defender needs to spend time on the injured list.

DECEMBER 17, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Creates two chances Alaba registered three shots (one on goal) and two chances created in Sunday's 0-0 draw against Rayo Vallecano.

Impact Alaba has started at center back in all 11 appearances thus far, totaling an assist with 28 clearances, 22 crosses (four accurate) and 10 interceptions thus far. He will continue to see regular playing time with the absence of Eder Militia (knee).

NOVEMBER 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Own goal in return Alaba registered an own goal, two shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Sevilla.

Impact Alaba made a costly mistake of letting the ball in his own net, which had ruined the clean sheet. It was also his first match since Sep 27, missing the last three games with a lower leg injury. The defender has taken over the center back role for the injured Eder Militao (knee), recording an assist with 21 clearances and 16 crosses (two won) in eight La Liga contests.

OCTOBER 22, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Starting against Sevilla Alaba (lower leg) is in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against Sevilla.

Impact As expected, Alaba slots at center-back now that he's fully recovered from the injury that was affecting him, and he will resume his regular partnership at the back alongside Antonio Rudiger.

OCTOBER 21, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Makes squad for Saturday Alaba (lower leg) is in the squad for Saturday's match against Sevilla.

Impact The inclusion of Alaba in the squad isn't surprising, as the defender was spotted in training earlier this week, and all signs were pointing toward him being available for this weekend's matchup. Alaba should recover his regular spot at center-back alongside Antonio Rudiger if he's deemed healthy enough to start.

OCTOBER 20, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Taking part in training Alaba (lower leg) was seen training with the squad ahead of Saturday's clash with Sevilla.

Impact Alaba missed three matches prior to the international break but could be nearing a return to action thanks to the extra time off. If the central defender is cleared to play, he figures to be a near-lock for the starting XI considering he has featured in all eight of his appearances for the club this season. In those outings, Alaba managed one assist, 22 crosses (four accurate) and 14 corners.

OCTOBER 17, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Won't play Saturday Alaba (lower leg) will not be available versus Osasuna on Saturday. Manager Carlo Ancelotti told reporters, "He isn't right yet, so he won't be playing tomorrow."

Impact Alaba will be shelved for his third straight contest due to his lingering lower leg injury. According to the manager, the team could utilize either Ferland Mendy or Aurelien Tchouameni at center back with Alaba still on the shelf. In his previous five matches, Alaba registered eight corners, 16 crosses (three accurate) and four chances created and should be a factor on corners once back in the starting XI.

OCTOBER 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Not included in squad Alaba (lower leg) was left out of the traveling squad to face Napoli on Tuesday.

Impact Alaba was originalyl hoping to play Tuesday's Champions League matchup but hasn't been cleared yet. With the central defender sidelined for his second straight match, Nacho figures to keep his place in the starting XI, filling in a central defensive role. Once cleared to return, Alaba should be a near-lock to reclaim his spot in the backline.

OCTOBER 3, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Hoping to play Tuesday Alaba (lower leg) won't be an option against Girona on Saturday but could return for Tuesday's Champions League clash with Napoli. Manager Carlo Ancelotti told reporters, "He under...

Impact Alaba's absence will create a hole in the backline that could be filled by Nacho, who previously featured as a center back against Union Berlin on Sept. 20. For his part, Alaba had started all eight of his appearances for the club this season in whcih he recorded one assist, 22 crosses (four accurate) and 14 corners. Without Alaba in the mix for the corner duties, Brahim Diaz or Luka Modric could see more work depending on who starts.

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Leaves with injury Alaba exited Wednesday's match against Las Palmas early after picking up an undisclosed injury.

Impact Alaba appeared to pick up an injury in Wednesday's match after being substituted off the pitch in the 41st minute. This could be a huge blow for Madrid if the injury is serious, especially with regular starter Eder Militao already sidelined with a torn ACL. Alaba was replaced by Lucas Vazquez, who will probably fill in Alaba's place in the Starting XI if the injury is serious. If Vazquez does not fill in, then Nacho will be the next most probable candidate.

SEPTEMBER 27, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Regular starter to open season Alaba has registered one assist to go along with four shots (two on target), four chances created, 10 crosses (one accurate) and 12 clearances through four games this season.

Impact Alaba has started all four matches for Real this season after starting in 21 of their 38 games in La Liga last season. He has been decent in his four appearances this season, notching one assist, six chances created and 10 crosses (one accurate) in the attack, and three tackles (three won), five interceptions, and 12 clearances in the defense. The 31-year-old will probably see more starts at the beginning of the season than he was expecting, but will have to step it up with fellow defender Eder Militao out injured.

SEPTEMBER 8, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Assists against Athletic Club Alaba assisted once to go with four crosses (one accurate) and four corners in Saturday's 2-0 win versus Athletic. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 76th minute.

Impact Alaba assisted from center back for his first of the season. He had an injury plagued season in 2022/23 and will look to keep healthy with the absence of Eder Militao for the rest of the season with a torn ACL.

AUGUST 13, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Injury prone year Alaba totaled 30 starts in 30 appearances, recording a goal and three assists with 48 clearances and 45 crosses (13 won) in all competitions.

Impact Alaba was slammed with injuries throughout the season, leaving him sidelined for a quarter of the season. When available, the defender was a regular starter, switching from both center and left back. Because of his history of getting hurt, he may be more of a depth option for the 2023/24 campaign, with Eduardo Camavinga, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger and Dani Carvajal the favorite starters in the back.

JUNE 14, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Should be back vs. Man City Alaba (not injury related) was called up by Real Madrid for Wednesday's Champions League semifinal second leg against Manchester City.

Impact Alaba was given a rest at the weekend as he's dealt with multiple injuries in 2023 and didn't need to be risked in a pointless domestic win over Getafe. But he should return to the squad and likely the starting XI on Wednesday to take on Man City in the Champions League.

MAY 15, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Resting against Getafe Alaba (not injury related) is not in Real Madrid's match day squad for Saturday's clash against Getafe.

Impact Alaba has dealt with multiple injuries in recent months so he will not be risked on Saturday ahead of the big Champions League match against Manchester City in midweek. Nacho and Eder Militao are starting in central defense in his absence against Getafe.

MAY 13, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Takes shot in UCL draw Alaba made a block and took a shot in Tuesday's 1-1 Champions League semifinal draw against Manchester City.

Impact Alaba got the start alongside Antonio Rudiger in central defense Tuesday and largely coped well with the threat of Erling Haaland, as City's only goal in the game came from a thunder strike from outside the box by Kevin De Bruyne. It will be interesting to see who is the starting center-back pairing in the return fixture next week as Eder Militao returns from suspension.

MAY 9, 2023 • ROTOWIRE