As Real Madrid enters a crucial phase of the season, David Alaba is Carlo Ancelotti’s biggest hope for the much-anticipated defensive reinforcement. Just days before the clashes against Atlético Madrid and Manchester City, a fresh update emerges from Madrid.
Having returned to competition a few weeks ago, David Alaba is gradually regaining form. After suffering a cruciate ligament rupture in his knee in December 2023, the Austrian defender took a long time to get back on the pitch. With injuries to Éder Militão and Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid’s defence has significantly weakened, prompting Carlo Ancelotti to place his trust in young Raúl Asensio, who has made an impressive start at the professional level. In this demanding February schedule, Alaba is the lifeline the Madrid coach wants to rely on.
The exciting update on David Alaba
With Antonio Rüdiger and Aurélien Tchouaméni facing suspensions for the first leg of the Champions League knockout tie on 11 February, Ancelotti is determined to prepare David Alaba as a potential starter for the return leg if necessary. According to Relevo and Marca, the former Bayern Munich defender is set to start for the first time this season, either this Saturday away at Espanyol Barcelona or, at the latest, next Wednesday in the Copa del Rey against Leganés.
Having made solid appearances since his return to action, Alaba is entering a decisive week where he must prove he remains a valuable asset to Madrid’s defence. By starting in defence this Saturday in La Liga or on Wednesday in the Copa del Rey, the 32-year-old will gain the necessary match fitness to potentially feature in the clash against Atlético Madrid next weekend.
Is David Alaba truly indispensable against Man City?
With Rüdiger and Tchouaméni largely holding down the backline in recent weeks, Real Madrid’s central defence has not been entirely convincing. Given the full-backs’ struggles, particularly Lucas Vázquez, whose defensive performances have been inconsistent due to his attacking tendencies, Alaba’s return is a massive boost for Ancelotti. A far more experienced defender, the Austrian international could reclaim his spot and form a new partnership with Rüdiger. His comeback would also allow Tchouaméni to return to his natural position as a defensive midfielder and shine in the No.6 role.
At the same time, Ancelotti might opt to deploy Raúl Asensio at right-back to compensate for the defensive gaps often left by Lucas Vázquez when he starts. In any case, with the current tactical setup, Los Merengues can only welcome David Alaba’s return. Hopefully, his expected start this weekend or during the week goes as planned—Madrid needs him now more than ever.
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