Real Madrid’s veteran defender faces crucial dilemma over his future | OneFootball

Real Madrid have suffered from poor luck in the central defence position in recent years. Last season, on that front, saw them hit a new low as both Eder Militao and David Alaba suffered season-ending injuries.

The former is now close to a return and the latter was expected to make a comeback in the FIFA Club World Cup as well. Alaba, however, has once again suffered a setback, this time in his soleus muscle, and is ruled out for the ongoing tournament as well.

As relayed by AS, the player’s injury record and long period out make him a liability in Xabi Alonso’s plans. Real Madrid, in fact, are not at all opposed to him leaving the club this summer.

A dilemma for Alaba

The upcoming FIFA World Cup could be the factor that decides Alaba’s future. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

The Austrian international has a contract with Los Blancos that runs until the summer of 2026, and his current situation implies that there is close to no chance of a renewal in Spain.

The accumulation of injuries, moreover, leave him struggling for match-fitness and in fifth place on the manager’s pecking order in the department. After all, Antonio Rudiger, Dean Huijsen, Eder Militao, and Raul Asencio are all ahead of him.

Given that he is unlikely to see minutes at the club, Alaba may well be better off leaving the club this summer, however, his large wages of €12.5 million per season coupled with his injury record imply that it is difficult for him to find suitors.

As it stands, the player’s future will likely be decided by one factor that supersedes all the aforementioned points – the FIFA World Cup set to be played later this year which could well be his final dance with Austria.

Entering the tournament with a lack of minutes and match-fitness, needless to say, will not be how Alaba intends to approach the special event. The player, thus, must make a decision over his future and faces a serious dilemma.

If the Austrian star stays, he risks his place in Austria’s plans and even his chances of leading his country by example in the event. Else, he could push for a way out of the club, something Real Madrid would easily sanction given his wages.

Should Alaba not leave this summer, Real Madrid see the World Cup to be a tournament where he can impress potential suitors to leave the club next summer regardless.