David Alaba, the 32-year-old Austrian defender for Real Madrid, has been out of action since December 2023 due to a serious knee injury, which includes a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee, along with damage to the meniscus and tendons.
Originally, Alaba was expected to return by late 2024. However, complications during his recovery, such as cartilage deterioration causing ongoing knee pain, have delayed his return. By October 2024, reports suggested that his comeback might be postponed until January 2025.
Despite these challenges, Alaba has stayed positive, sharing photos of his training and showing his commitment to regaining full fitness without setting a firm timeline for his return.
Real Madrid has faced difficulties in defense during his absence, leading to talks about bolstering their squad in the upcoming transfer window.
As of January 2025, there is hope for Alaba’s eventual return. It is speculated that he could be back around January 20, with the Champions League match against Salzburg on January 22 potentially marking his first match back.
Alaba’s injury is part of a wider trend at Real Madrid, with several players suffering from similar ligament injuries in the past year.
