Real Madrid defender enters final stretch of recovery, could return next month | OneFootball

Real Madrid have been hit by a whirlwind of ACL injuries in recent years with Thibaut Courtois, David Alaba and Eder Militao suffering the blow last season and Dani Carvajal falling prey earlier this year.

The latest blow, however, was a second ACL injury in as many years to Militao and the player is now ruled out of action until the end of the season.

Carlo Ancelotti currently has only Antonio Rudiger as a first-team option in central defence who he trusts, and MARCA bring a positive update just when Los Blancos needed it the most.

Alaba is close to a return

As relayed by the Spanish outlet, Real Madrid superstar David Alaba is very close to completing his recovery and is in the final stretch of his rehabilitation.

David Alaba might return in December. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

If everything goes to plan, the player should be available to feature as early as December in what comes as a massive boost to Carlo Ancelotti’s plans.

Needless to say, however, the management will exert caution and it may well be January or February before the player is able to perform in full flow.

Alaba’s return will provide some much-needed depth to the team’s defensive unit and he is expected to eventually pair up with Rudiger as the team’s first-choice defensive pairing.

Ancelotti, however, must ensure that Alaba is integrated gradually to avoid a relapse or fresh blow as Militao has suffered.

The 32-year-old made 14 appearances for Real Madrid prior to his injury last year and averaged 83 minutes per game, making over five defensive actions per game.

With the team’s defence already under pressure this season, he will look to return to his best at the earliest.