Ancelotti's Winter Boost: Alaba's Imminent Return

David Alaba is on the verge of returning to action for Real Madrid. Since early December, he has participated in parts of training sessions with his teammates, although his left knee remains bandaged. The intensity of his workouts has been gradually increasing to help his knee adapt to the demands of full training.

Alaba's injury was not a typical cruciate ligament tear; complications with the meniscus have delayed his comeback. The plan is for him to commence full group training after the holidays on December 30, aiming for a mid-January return to competitive play. The upcoming year promises a refreshed Alaba.

Anticipating his participation in the Spanish Super Cup might be overly optimistic. Real Madrid faces Mallorca on January 9, with a potential final on January 12. Post-Super Cup, Alaba is expected to make his return, following a meticulously crafted rehabilitation plan that has been progressing well. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has updated his projections from 'soon' to 'returning in January' regarding Alaba's comeback.

Matches against Las Palmas on January 19 and Salzburg on January 22 at the Bernabéu are potential dates for his controlled reintroduction to the squad. The emergence of Raúl Asensio and the return of Eduardo Camavinga, which has allowed Aurelien Tchouaméni to support Antonio Rüdiger, enable Alaba to reintegrate without undue pressure.

Alaba's injury occurred on December 17, 2023, against Villarreal, marking the third cruciate ligament injury in a short period for Real Madrid, following setbacks to Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militão, all affecting the left knee. These challenges have continued to plague the squad, with several players experiencing injuries. Alaba's return after 13 months is a timely boost for Ancelotti as the team enters the new year, signaling the end of a challenging period that began over a year ago.