Key Real Madrid defender poised to make comeback against Las Palmas | OneFootball

Real Madrid are eagerly anticipating the return of David Alaba, with hopes that he will be fit to play in their match against Las Palmas on January 19 at the Santiago Bernabeu, according to recent reports from MARCA.

Alaba, who has been sidelined for over a year due to injury, has shown significant progress in his recovery.

He has been training with the team for a few days now, and the plan is for him to be fully integrated into the squad when they return from their Christmas break on December 30.

If all goes well, Alaba should be available for selection after the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, with the first match post-tournament scheduled for January 19 against Las Palmas.

A look back

Alaba’s injury occurred on December 17, 2023, during a match against Villarreal. The Austrian defender faced a long and challenging recovery process, joining key players like Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao on the treatment table.

Both Courtois and Militao suffered similar cruciate ligament injuries back in August. The long-term absences of these players forced coach Carlo Ancelotti to adjust, leading to the emergence of a new centre-back pairing: Antonio Rudiger and Nacho.

Real Madrid are expecting David Alaba to return in January. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

Together, they played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s successes, including their La Liga title and Champions League triumph, with their performances particularly shining in the second leg of the Champions League semi-finals against Bayern Munich.

A key ‘signing’

Alaba’s return to fitness is a huge boost for Ancelotti and will strengthen the team’s defensive options.

His presence will offer more flexibility in the backline, allowing the coach to rotate his defenders more effectively, especially with the recent injury to Militao.

In the absence of Alaba and Militao, Ancelotti had to rely on homegrown talent Raul Asencio to partner with Rudiger for several matches.

Recently, however, the coach has opted to use Aurelien Tchouameni, whose natural position is as a defensive midfielder, as a temporary solution in central defence.

Alaba’s return will provide a much-needed solution to these defensive challenges, giving Ancelotti more depth and choice as he looks to build a solid backline.