Real Madrid veteran defender absent from group training | OneFootball

After their dismal defeat to Arsenal earlier in the week, Real Madrid now shift their focus back to La Liga as they take on Deportivo Alaves in a couple of days, hoping to avoid a third consecutive loss.

As preparations got underway at Valdebebas, Los Blacos welcomed Dani Ceballos back in group training on Wednesday and the midfielder continued to work with the rest of the squad today as well.

No David Alaba though

However, according to journalist Melchor Ruiz, David Alaba did not train with the rest of the group today and instead did some individual work inside the training facilities.

The veteran defender is only now regaining match rhythm and full fitness after having spent more than a year out due to an ACL injury.

David Alaba was absent from training. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Having returned to action in January 2025, the Austrian international has played 12 games so far this season, the most recent one coming against Arsenal earlier in the week.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti deployed Alaba at left-back instead of his usual spot at centre-back – a move that proved costly as the veteran star struggled to deal with the threat of Bukayo Saka.

As for his absence from training today, it remains to be seen if it was just a precaution or if the defender is dealing with some physical problems that could lead to his presence being a doubt for the weekend clash against Alaves.

Along with Alaba, Andriy Lunin and Ferland Mendy were also not involved in training today as they continue to recover from their respective injury issues.