Real Madrid defender targeting AC Milan friendly for return from injury

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Madrid Universal

·3 July 2024

Real Madrid defender targeting AC Milan friendly for return from injury

If Eder Militao’s ACL injury last season was not challenging enough for Real Madrid to handle, David Alaba facing the same fate in December did not help manager Carlo Ancelotti by any means.

With two defenders out of action, the Italian coach was forced to field the likes of Aurelien Tchouameni at times to cover in central defence. Militao is back and raring to go but the Austrian, who suffered his injury at the end of 2023, is still on his way back to fitness.

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Away from the action on the field in Germany, Alaba is thus working hard to beat the deadlines and be ready for the new season that lies ahead. After all, Nacho’s departure leaves Los Blancos relatively short-staffed in the department.

Deadline set

According to a recent update from AS, Alaba is currently with the Austrian side, albeit as a staff member, supporting his compatriots from the sidelines. His nation’s elimination last night, however, implies that he will return to Madrid to continue his recovery.

The veteran is said to have set his sights on the first match of the pre-season tour in the United States of America as his deadline.

Alaba is recovering from an ACL injury. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)

Los Blancos begin their pre-season against AC Milan in Chicago on August 1st, and it is ahead of that game that Alaba will evaluate if he is back to complete fitness or has to continue his recovery process for longer.

Rest assured, no risks will be taken around the player’s fitness as his availability through the upcoming campaign will be of paramount importance.

New signing incoming?

Alaba has not enjoyed much luck in terms of fitness over the years, and it thus leaves Ancelotti and Co. in a state of bother over the defensive depth.

Come August, Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger will be the team’s two starting centre-backs and Alaba will serve as a backup based on his fitness. There is, however, the need for a fourth presence in the department.

Leny Yoro, as it stands, is Los Blancos’ primary target to reinforce the position but his signing is still far from concrete given Lille’s exorbitant demands.