A new injury for David Alaba, out of the World Cup and K.O. for his exit from Real Madrid

One of the news stories left by Real Madrid after the match against RB Salzburg, a victory that qualified it for the round of 16, is a cause for concern. Above all, it is due to the physical condition of Santiago Bernabéu locker room, since there has been a new injury in the first team.

In this case, David Alaba will be out for about a month according to the latest reports. The European center-back suffered an injury during one of the most recent training sessions of the Merengue squad, and his recovery time, as well as the injury he has suffered, are not good news.

This is because the center-back, who is still included in the sports planning for the 25/26 season, has an affected soleus in his left leg. This injury comes at the worst possible time for the veteran player, since it completely interferes with the long recovery process he was undergoing.

The tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, suffered in December 2023, has been the injury that has defined his career at Real Madrid. The "4" seemed ready to return to the field in the middle of the last soccer season, but complications with the cartilage in the affected joint prolonged the process.

From bad to worse

Xabi Alonso decided to include David Alaba in his squad for the Club World Cup with two objectives. The first is for him to complete his recovery with his teammates, training with them to feel part of the group again and be more available for the start of the 25/26 season. Despite everything, he hasn't been able to train with the group in Miami.

The second is for him to aim for some playing time during the knockout rounds of that competition organized by FIFA, something that unfortunately will no longer happen. This new injury to David Alaba not only reduces his opportunities to get minutes at the start of the 25/26 season, but also complicates his future in the first team.

The Austrian "4"'s contract is set to expire in the summer of 2026. The Madridist leaders were hoping to receive an offer for the player, given his limited role in Xabi Alonso's first team. However, this new injury, which will keep him out for about a month (un mes), may have ended those hopes.

As things stand, David Alaba's competitive outlook changes completely over the coming months. After recovering from this new injury, Xabi Alonso will have a David Alaba who knows that he is facing his last season as a first-team player. Injuries and modest performances when he has been able to play during the 24/25 season, as well as the need for a generational change, have led to that clear decision.