Report: Return of Real Madrid's key star after injury could be further delayed

It has been more than eight months since Real Madrid defender David Alaba tore his cruciate ligament.

The Austrian international sustained the injury in the La Liga match against Villarreal in December 2023 and had to be substituted after just over half an hour.

Alaba underwent surgery shortly afterwards, but has still not fully recovered and there is still uncertainty about his return.

Alaba’s return could be further delayed

Earlier this month, there were reports that Alaba could be back on the pitch training in a few weeks and make his comeback sometime in October.

But according to The Athletic, Alaba's return, originally scheduled for October, could now be delayed even further.

After the Austrian international had already undergone surgery shortly after his first injury, he had to undergo another operation in May.

Therefore, there is no clarity as to when he could make his comeback for Real Madrid, even though coach Carlo Ancelotti recently expressed confidence about the defender's situation.

The situation is anything but favorable for Real Madrid, considering that Antonio Rüdiger and Eder Militao are currently the only two fit central defenders.

Jesus Vallejo is part of the squad but is far from reliable and has his own fitness issues, while Jacobo Ramon lacks experience.

Ancelotti could always rely on Aurelien Tchouameni as a central defender in an emergency, but with Eduardo Camavinga also out through injury, moving the Frenchman to defence leaves a lack of options in defensive midfield.

Therefore, Ancelotti and Co. will eagerly await Alaba’s return.