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Real Madrid star David Alaba is reportedly in line for a return to action later this year. He underwent surgery for an ACL injury in December last year and then went under the knife again in May for another knee issue.
Alaba was ruled out for the remainder of the 2023-24 season in December itself and hasn't played since the 4-1 league win against Villarreal that month. He also missed the chance to play for Austria at the 2024 UEFA Euros in Germany this summer, where they were beaten 2-1 by Turkey in the last 16.
Now, according to Relevo journalist Rodra P (via @MadridXtra on X), Alaba is expected to return to action near the end of 2024. A definite return date still hasn't been specified, but this would still come as a boost for Real Madrid fans given earlier reports suggested he may not return until 2025.
Alaba's absence has undeniably affected Real Madrid's depth, given the player's ability to play down the left flank, at centre-back, and in midfield. Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao have started as Carlo Ancelotti's centre-back pairing, with Jesus Vallejo missing the start of the season due to a muscle injury.
Ancelotti may want to reinstate Alaba in his starting XI with care, given that it will have been almost a year since his last appearance. He has been a regular in Real Madrid's set-up since his free transfer from Bayern Munich in 2021, making 102 appearances.
However, the 32-year-old has had his fair share of injury problems as well, missing a total of 67 matches for club and country since leaving the Allianz Arena.
Carlo Ancelotti's likely option at centre-back in Real Madrid XI vs Real Sociedad - report
David Alaba's injury hasn't made things easy for Real Madrid one bit. Eder Militao also left Brazil's camp with a leg injury earlier this week and is unlikely to be available for the league clash against Real Sociedad on 14 September.
This means Antonio Rudiger, as of now, is the only experienced and fully fit centre-back Carlo Ancelotti has in his team. Jesus Vallejo's return from injury has come just in time for the clash at Anoeta, although he hasn't played for the club in over 500 days.
Nevertheless, according to Diario AS, Vallejo is expected to partner Rudiger in central defense against Sociedad due to the lack of options in that position. Dani Carvajal is also seen as an option, given the right-back's ability to deputize in that position, albeit rarely.
Los Blancos have started the season slowly and although they are unbeaten, they trail a flawless Barcelona by four points after four matchdays. Away draws against RCD Mallorca and UD Las Palmas, where they failed to keep clean sheets, have particularly stung Ancelotti's side early on.
