Real Madrid are planning a meeting with Las Palmas next month for the long-awaited return of defender David Alaba, it has been revealed.
Alaba went down with an ACL injury in December 2023 and initially made very slow progress in his quest for recovery, only being able to join parts of team training in late 2024.
According to MARCHAlaba has been fully integrated back into team training since returning from the La Liga winter break, and will now be given a few weeks to prove his fitness ahead of a possible competitive return.
If all goes according to plan, Madrid the medical staff believe Alaba should play some role against Las Palmas on January 19.
Alaba’s imminent return will be a huge boost for Carlo Ancelotti, who is realistically left with just one senior centre-back, Antonio Rudiger, after Eder Militao suffered his second ACL injury in as many years. Jesus Vallejo is also available but doesn’t seem to be trusted.
Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has often been a substitute at the back, as has youngster Raul Asencio, but Ancelotti welcomes Alaba’s experience back into the fold.
However, a return date in the second half of January would still mean he will miss games against Valencia, Deportivo Minera, Mallorca and potentially the Supercopa de Espana final.
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