Real Madrid received very sad news, losing central defender for more than a year

Real Madrid faced bad news when defender David Alaba is not expected to return before January 2025, meaning he will be out of action for more than a year due to a serious injury.

Real Madrid are facing a difficult situation as key defender David Alaba could be out of action until January 2025, extending his absence to more than a year since his injury. This is sad news for the club and its fans, especially when the team’s defense is struggling with injuries.

Alaba, a 32-year-old Austrian, suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in a match against Villarreal on December 17, 2023. The injury is considered one of the most serious injuries a football player can suffer, affecting not only the ligament but also the meniscus of the knee.

Alaba was initially expected to return to action in October 2024, but recent developments suggest his recovery is more complicated than expected.

Alaba was injured in December 2023.

According to reports from reliable sources, including journalist Rodra P and Relevo, Real Madrid’s current plan is for Alaba to return to action in January 2025. This would mean the talented defender would be sidelined for a total of 13 months – a significant amount of time for a player in the prime of his career.

Alaba’s lengthy absence is a blow to Real Madrid’s defence, which has been plagued by injuries this season. Dani Carvajal, another key defender, is also struggling with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, while promising youngster Jacobo Ramon is also struggling with a muscle problem, making things even more difficult for coach Carlo Ancelotti.

There are glimmers of hope in Alaba’s recovery, though. According to recent reports, the player has been showing positive signs in training at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training base. He is described as “looking better and starting to get back to his best”, although he still needs time to get back to his best.

Alaba’s recovery has been more difficult than expected.

Real Madrid have praised Alaba’s professionalism and dedication to his recovery. The club are being careful in managing his recovery, not wanting to take any risks by rushing his return. However, they are also hopeful of being able to utilise Alaba’s talent sooner rather than later, especially given the defensive struggles they are facing.

Alaba’s absence will pose significant challenges for Real Madrid in important competitions. Los Blancos will face tough matches in La Liga, including El Clasico against Barcelona, ​​as well as important Champions League matches against strong opponents such as Dortmund, Milan and Liverpool.

The absence of an experienced and talented defender like Alaba will certainly affect the team’s tactics and defensive strength.

The Austrian defender is expected to be out of action for more than 13 months.

To deal with this situation, Real Madrid may have to look at other options to strengthen their defence. This could include promoting young players from the academy, or looking at transfer options in the upcoming winter transfer window. However, according to current reports, the club has no concrete plans for the January 2025 transfer market.

For Alaba personally, it has certainly been a difficult period in his career. The 32-year-old not only missed most of last season but also the 2024 European Championship in Germany – a tournament he had been keen to play in with the Austrian national team.