Real Madrid are targeting a return for David Alaba in January following the serious knee injury that has kept him out for the last 13 months.
The Austria international underwent anterior cruciate knee ligament (ACL) surgery to his left knee after suffering a rupture during Madrid’s La Liga victory over Villarreal in December 2023 before in May 2024 undergoing an arthroscopy, a procedure for diagnosing and treating joint problems.
Alaba, 32, missed the remaining five months of the 2023-24 season alongside Euro 2024 for Austria, and has yet to make an appearance in 2024-25.
“I think he will start playing (training) matches next week,” Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Thursday at his press conference.
“Around January 20 he will be able to play matches. These will help us as well.”
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That timeframe would mean Alaba would be in contention to return for Ancelotti’s side for their home Champions League fixtures against Red Bull Salzburg on January 22, before a trip to Real Valladolid in La Liga three days later and concluding their European league phase with a match at Brest on January 29.
Alaba’s return would be a welcome boost for Ancelotti, who is without defenders Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao for the remainder of the season due to ACL injuries of their own.
Before being sidelined, Alaba had made 16 appearances for Madrid in all competitions last season, providing two assists, before the club went on to win La Liga, the Spanish Supercopa and the Champions League.
Madrid return to action following their winter break with a league match at Valencia on January 3 before a trip to lower-league Deportiva Minera three days later.
They will then begin the defence of their Spanish Supercopa in Saudi Arabia with a semi-final match against Real Mallorca, last season’s beaten Copa del Rey finalists, before returning to league action on January 19 at home to Las Palmas.
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(Pedro Castillo/Real Madrid via Getty Images)
