Real Madrid believe returning defender will need until March to reach pre-injury levels | OneFootball

Earlier this month, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti provided a very positive update regarding the potential return of long-term injury absentee David Alaba.

“Alaba is also doing parts of training, will be back with the squad on the 30th and will be available, I think, for mid-January,” the Italian tactician said.

Return imminent, but Alaba will need time

Now, providing a greater insight into the situation surrounding Alaba, journalist Rodra (h/t RM4Arab) reports that the belief at Real Madrid is that it will take the Austrian until March to recover his pre-injury levels.

Alaba’s injury has been a long ordeal. The Austrian suffered a torn ACL in his left leg on December 17, 2023 against Villarreal. The severity of the injury has only added to the challenges he has faced in his recovery.

Fortunately, the Austrian now sees a light at the end of the tunnel and is expected to be included in a squad list again at the start of 2025, possibly for a Copa del Rey match, where the intensity might be lower.

Set to return soon. (Photo by Carsten Harz/Getty Images)

This news will be celebrated as a new signing by Real Madrid’s coaching staff, who have always placed great trust in Alaba, considering him one of their most important players. However, there are concerns about the level at which he will return.

Real Madrid do not plan on having a fully competitive Alaba at the start of the year, instead setting their sights on March as a more realistic timeframe for seeing him at a level comparable to before his injury.

This will be a crucial part of the season for the club, and having Alaba available could be a valuable asset.

Meanwhile, Alaba’s camp remains positive about his recovery, but they are cautious, taking a step-by-step approach without taking any risks. What matters most, they say, is avoiding setbacks after so many months on the sidelines.