David Alaba is set to feature for Real Madrid for the first time in over a year after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture.
Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that the Austrian defender took part in training on Friday and could play off the bench in Madrid’s La Liga game against Las Palmas on Sunday.
“He’s (Alaba) fine, he played 40 minutes yesterday with a good feeling,” said Ancelotti. “Obviously he needs a bit of rhythm, the knee responds well. He won’t start tomorrow, but he can get some minutes.”
Alaba has not played since he sustained the injury to his left knee in December 2023 during a league win over Villareal. In May 2024 he underwent an arthroscopy, a procedure for diagnosing and treating joint problems.
The injury saw him miss Austria’s Euro 2024 campaign, where they reached the round of 16, and he was made to watch from the sidelines as Madrid won La Liga, the Spanish Supercopa and the Champions League.
Before the injury, Alaba made 17 appearances for Madrid in all competitions in the 2023-24 season and provided two assists.
The 32-year-old’s return to the squad will come as welcome boost for Ancelotti, with defenders Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal currently sidelined by ACL injuries of their own.
Alaba joined Madrid on a free transfer in 2021 after 11 years at Bayern Munich. He made 431 appearances for the German side, winning 10 Bundesliga titles and lifting the Champions League trophy on two occasions.
(Fadel Senna/Getty Images)
