Real Madrid Dilanda Crisis Central Defender Because David Alaba Alami Injured Paha
JAKARTA - Real Madrid threw a statement on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, that David Alaba had a thigh injury.
This is the latest concern for the team's defense ahead of a series of important matches including the Madrid Derby and the Champions League playoffs against Manchester City.
The centre-back has just recovered after a long absence due to an ACL injury he suffered in December 2023. He appeared as a substitute in La Liga's match against Las Palmas and Real Valladolid last month.
The news follows another defender Antonio Rudiger's hamstring injury - which he experienced on Sunday, February 2, 2025 - and Eder Militao who were also absent from an ACL injury.
That situation made midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni and young player Raul Asencio the final choice for coach Carlo Ancelotti in midfield.
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"After undergoing tests on our player David Alaba by Real Madrid's medical services, he was diagnosed with a stimuli muscle injury in his left leg," the club said in a brief statement.
Real Madrid will travel to Leganes in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals on Thursday, February 6, 2025, early morning WIB, before hosting Atletico Madrid in a derby on Sunday, February 9, 2025, early morning WIB, in La Liga.
They will then travel to Manchester City headquarters in the first leg of the knockout play of the Champions League on February 12, 2025 in the morning WIB.
Their journey was continued to Osasuna's home in La Liga on February 15, before Manchester City travel to Bernabeu on February 20, 2025, early morning WIB.
The La Liga and Champions League champions are entering this season with just three first-choice senior centre-backs - Rudiger, Militao, and Alaba - following Nacho Fernandez's departure last summer.
Alaba has only been available for selection since last month, while Militao is injured in November 2024 and is expected not to return this season.
During their absence, Ancelotti often chose Tchouameni as a centre-back. Meanwhile, Asencio, 21, has performed 10 times in La Liga and four times in the Champions League.
Club captain and right-back Dani Carvajal are other key defenders who were not available this summer, also due to serious knee injuries.
Real Madrid chose not to sign defenders on the January 2025 transfer window, after Liverpool rejected the initial approach for Trent Alexander-Arnold.