DAVID ALABA NEWS

Real Madrid needs extra time to oust Real Sociedad and advance to Copa del Rey final

Real Madrid needed extra time to get past Real Sociedad and reach its second Copa del Rey final in three seasons

APRIL 1 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Unused before break Alaba went unused in the final two matches before the international break.

Impact Alaba made three starts in four matches prior to going unused, though it's possible his load is being carefully managed. The defender missed a large portion of the season via injury and his first attempt at coming back was marred by a setback. When fit Alaba is a valuable depth option, but Madrid are clearly being cautious in bringing him up to speed for the run in to end the campaign.

MARCH 19 • ROTOWIRE

Making first start of season Alaba (groin) is starting for Real Madrid during Sunday's clash with Girona.

Impact Alaba is ready for his first start of the season after missing the last three league matches. The defender has been eased back into full match fitness with five appearances off the bench across La Liga and the Champions League since returning in January.

FEBRUARY 23 • ROTOWIRE

Possibility for Sunday Alaba (groin) is an option for Sunday's match against Girona, according to manager Carlo Ancelotti. "Alaba could be an option tomorrow after a long time out."

Impact Alaba looks to finally be back in the fold after his layoff, as after earning a minute at the end of Wednesday's City match, he is not fit for the squad again Sunday. This could be great news for the club, as they could have him back fully for the first time this season. That said, he will look for a bigger appearance to test his legs.

FEBRUARY 22 • ROTOWIRE

Trains, still not ready Alaba (groin) is out for Wednesday's match against Manchester City despite training.

Impact Alaba will need another match or two before he is ready for his return despite some hype around his availability Wednesday. However, he was training ahead of the contest, viewed working on grass with a ball. He will then hope to return Sunday against Girona, although that may still be too soon.

FEBRUARY 18 • ROTOWIRE

Could face Manchester City Alaba (groin) could return for Wednesday's clash against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League, manager Carlo Ancelotti told media Tuesday. "We need Alaba [and Rudiger] for...

Impact Alaba suffered a left groin injury in late January. He's made just four appearances off the bench this season, but given the stature of Wednesday's contest, it wouldn't be utterly shocking if he's inserted in the lineup for the match against the Premier League giants. He won't be available for Saturday's league match against Osasuna, though.

FEBRUARY 13 • ROTOWIRE

Real Madrid's woes on defense compounded by new Alaba injury

Real Madrid's problems on defense have been compounded by a muscle injury to David Alaba

FEBRUARY 4 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Out for few weeks Alaba (thigh) will be out for a few weeks after the medical staff diagnosed a lesion in the adductor of his left thigh, the club announced.

Impact Alaba returned from his long-term knee injury, playing four games off the bench, but will unfortunately be out for two to three weeks after suffering a left leg groin injury. Raul Asencio is likely to see increased playing time again.

FEBRUARY 4 • ROTOWIRE

Likely for minutes Alaba (knee) is likely for minutes in Sunday's match against Las Palmas, according to manager Carlo Ancelotti. "Alaba is fine, yesterday he played 40 minutes with good feelings. Ob...

Impact Alaba is finally set to make his long-awaited La Liga return, with the defender set to finally make the team sheet after making the squad list for Sunday's contest. He isn't going to see starting time but should appear late off the bench if that match is not at risk. This will be his first minutes in over a year due to his torn ACL, so expect the defender to be incorporated slowly.

JANUARY 18 • ROTOWIRE

Makes squad list for cup game Alaba (knee) has been included in the squad for Thursday's Supercopa match against Mallorca, the club announced.

Impact Alaba is nearing a return to action and could feature against Mallorca in the Spanish Supercup. He has yet to make his season debut after recovering from a long-term knee injury. His return will provide a boost to the team, both defensively and as a leader.

JANUARY 7 • ROTOWIRE

Training with the team Tuesday Alaba (knee) is training with the squad Tuesday morning for the final public training session of the year at the Alfredo Di Stefano stadium, the club reported.

Impact Alaba is recovering from a long-term knee injury and is approaching a return to action. He is now training normally with the team, which is positive news as he will add depth to the defense and could become a potential starter once fully fit. This season, coach Carlo Ancelotti has experimented with young players such as Raul Asencio or Aurelien Tchouameni in a defensive role. Alaba's return will give Ancelotti additional options to manage his defense.

DECEMBER 31, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Real Madrid add Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven to list of transfer targets as Champions League winners eye backup for injured Eder Militao and David Alaba | Goal.com US Real Madrid are eyeing a move for Tottenham Hotspur star Micky van de Ven as they look to bolster their backline.

DECEMBER 28, 2024 • GOAL.COM

Expected to play by mid-January Alaba (knee) is expected to train with the group following the break and will be fit by mid-January, according to manager Carlo Ancelotti. "Alaba is starting to train a little bit....

Impact Alaba has received a very positive update, with the defender now expected to return in the month of January. This is great news but shouldn't be surprising, as he has been training again since the start of December and will join the group following the break. He will hope everything goes to plan after around a year out, as he should contend for starting time once fit.

DECEMBER 21, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to group training Alaba (knee) has returned to group training and is targeting a return in January, manager Carlo Ancelotti told media during Friday's pre-match press conference, according to Mario...

Impact The center-back has yet to play at all this season while rehabbing from a knee injury, but it seems he's inching closer to a potential return. Given that the team is hoping to have him back at some point in January, he'll have plenty of time to get up to speed from a physical and technical perspective. Alaba should jump right into the XI when healthy, though, in the meantime, Raul Asencio is likely to continue seeing minutes at center-back alongside Antonio Rudiger.

DECEMBER 6, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Training alone on grass Alaba (knee) is training on grass on his own but remains far from being ready to play after suffering an ACL injury in Dec. 2023, Joel Del Rio of MARCA reports.

Impact It's unclear if Alaba will be able to return to action before the end of the calendar year, and while the recovery process has been slower than expected, it seems to be trending in the right direction. An exact date for his return is still up in the air, though.

OCTOBER 21, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Left off squad list Alaba (knee) is not on the squad list for Saturday's match against Celta Vigo.

Impact Alaba will be out another week, as he is not yet ready for a return from his long absence due to a torn ACL. It is unknown if he is near a return, with the club giving minimal news on his status. That said, they will look for a return soon, although an exact date is still up in the air.

OCTOBER 18, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Undergoes another operation Alaba received a further operation on his knee, undergoing an arthroscopy to treat the issues in his knee, according to Guillermo Rai of The Athletic.

Impact Alaba's newest operation was only deemed minor, as it was done to try to relieve some of the pain, with the defender pushing for a return for Euro's 2024 to compete with Austria. However, with the operation just being completed, his status for the completion is still up in the air, and he remains in heavy doubt. He will need a week or two before he can start getting in some rehabilitation work, and just hoping he has enough time to be ready for Euro 2024 after tearing his ACL in December, although that seems unlikely.

MAY 17, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Not yet training Alaba (knee) did not take part in training Tuesday, Real Madrid announced.

Impact Alaba wasn't available in training in any capacity Tuesday. The defender is already ruled out for the remainder of the season, but he remains away from the team entirely. Alaba will have the entirety of pre-season to try and recover from the serious knee injury, though he is in some doubt to make it back for opening day of the 2024/25 season.

MARCH 12, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Working in gym Alaba (knee) was seen training in the gym for the first time since his ACL surgery.

Impact Alaba is making the first steps of recovery since undergoing ACL surgery in December. He is still not expected to return before the end of the season and he is also ruled out of the 2024 Euros. With Eder Militao likely to return soon, he is set to return to the center back role, with Nacho and Dani Carvajal, though Aurelien Tchouameni has been getting the notch in the back line with Antonio Rudiger dealing with a thigh injury.

FEBRUARY 20, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Out for season with ACL tear Alaba has been diagnosed with an ACL injury and will miss the rest of the 2023/24 season, the club confirmed in an official statement Sunday.

Impact Things couldn't have gone worse for Real Madrid on Sunday despite the 4-1 win over Villarreal, as Alaba is the third player the club lost to an ACL injury, and the third starter on defense alongside Eder Militao and Thibaut Courtois. The loss of Alaba means Nacho will probably ascend to being a regular starter at center-back unless the club decides to sign a new center-back during the January transfer market.

DECEMBER 18, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Real Madrid beats Villarreal 4-1 to take Spanish league lead. Alaba injured before halftime

Real Madrid leads the Spanish league after beating Villarreal 4-1 but lost defender David Alaba with a serious knee injury

DECEMBER 17, 2023 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Real Madrid defender Alaba to undergo surgery after sustaining left knee injury against Villarreal

Real Madrid defender David Alaba has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament on his left knee in his team’s 4-1 win over Villarreal in the Spanish league

DECEMBER 17, 2023 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Twists knee against Villarreal Alaba twisted his knee and was forced off during Sunday's match versus Villarreal.

Impact It does not look good for Alaba, who was unable to walk off on his know after injuring his knee Sunday. With Eder Militao (knee) still not expected back, this could mean more playing time for Nacho at center back if the defender needs to spend time on the injured list.

DECEMBER 17, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Creates two chances Alaba registered three shots (one on goal) and two chances created in Sunday's 0-0 draw against Rayo Vallecano.

Impact Alaba has started at center back in all 11 appearances thus far, totaling an assist with 28 clearances, 22 crosses (four accurate) and 10 interceptions thus far. He will continue to see regular playing time with the absence of Eder Militia (knee).

NOVEMBER 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Own goal in return Alaba registered an own goal, two shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Sevilla.

Impact Alaba made a costly mistake of letting the ball in his own net, which had ruined the clean sheet. It was also his first match since Sep 27, missing the last three games with a lower leg injury. The defender has taken over the center back role for the injured Eder Militao (knee), recording an assist with 21 clearances and 16 crosses (two won) in eight La Liga contests.

OCTOBER 22, 2023 • ROTOWIRE