Real Madrid aim to have star defender fully fit to start in time for UCL knockout stages | OneFootball

The return of David Alaba has been the biggest takeaway for Real Madrid so far, as the club are off to an exciting start to 2025.

The veteran defender has added more experience and leadership at the back whilst allowing Carlo Ancelotti to offer more room to breath for Antonio Rudiger.

Alaba’s performances and fitness levels, too, have impressed the Real Madrid hierarchy, who are counting on the defender to return to full fitness sooner rather than later.

Real Madrid’s objective with Alaba

A recent report from AS has offered an update on the fitness of Alaba, who has impressed onlookers with his work both on and off the pitch.

In the wake of the veteran defender’s recent appearances, Real Madrid are optimistic about the player returning to full fitness in the coming weeks.

In fact, Real Madrid’s aim now is to have Alaba back in action by the start of UEFA Champions League’s Round of 16.

Alaba has impressed everyone with his output.(Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Given the current state of affairs in the UCL standings, it appears Real Madrid might have to go through the knockout playoffs in order to participate in the Round of 16 stage.

Nevertheless, a target of UCL Round of 16 means Alaba has until early March to return to full fitness.

The club are ideally hoping to have the defender available for the knockout playoffs as well, which are supposed to take place on February 11/12 & February 18/19.

However, the report adds that it is not entirely ruled out that the Austrian starts against Espanyol, who are slated to take on Los Blancos on February 1.

The sensations regarding Alaba’s fitness are very good at the moment and it appears both parties are confident about the veteran defender’s ability to not only start but also play a key role for Real Madrid at the back.