Real Madrid’s Injury Crisis Worsens – Another Defender Out for Manchester City Clash
Real Madrid are facing yet another defensive injury crisis. After a gradual return to action following a long recovery period, David Alaba has suffered another setback, ruling him out at a crucial moment for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
The Austrian defender, 32, had already spent 13 months on the sidelines due to two surgeries—first to repair his cruciate ligament and then his meniscus. However, according to reports from Mundo Deportivo, he is now expected to miss another two to three weeks after sustaining a hamstring injury in training, further depleting Madrid’s defensive options.
This injury means Alaba will miss several key fixtures, including the Copa del Rey quarter-final against Leganés on Wednesday, the Madrid derby against Atlético Madrid on Saturday, and the first leg of their Champions League clash with Manchester City the following Tuesday. He is also a serious doubt for the return leg at the Bernabéu and the crucial La Liga encounter against Girona.
With Alaba sidelined, Real Madrid are left with limited options in defense. Jesús Vallejo, who has only played 10 minutes this season, and youth player Raúl Asencio remain the only natural center-backs available. Aurélien Tchouaméni is likely to continue filling in as an emergency center-back alongside Asencio, while Ferland Mendy has also been considered for a central role in the past.
Meanwhile, German defender Antonio Rüdiger, who joined Éder Militão and Dani Carvajal on the injury list last Saturday, is hopeful of returning in time for the second leg against Manchester City. However, there are concerns that rushing back could worsen his condition. Despite playing through discomfort for much of the season, pushing for an early comeback increases the risk of a relapse, something Real Madrid will want to avoid.
With key defenders sidelined, Ancelotti faces a major selection dilemma ahead of a crucial stretch of the season.
