Real Madrid has received a significant boost to its defensive lineup as David Alaba has rejoined group training and is poised to return for the match against Rayo Vallecano, according to a report from AS. The 33-year-old defender’s comeback comes at a critical time for the manager, whose squad has been severely impacted by injuries, particularly in the defensive department. Alaba participated in most group exercises during Friday’s training session at Valdebebas, with reports indicating a “very positive” outlook for his recovery. The Austrian international is expected to complete Saturday’s final training session without any issues and be included in manager Alonso’s squad for the trip to Vallecas. The return of the seasoned centre-back is vital for Real Madrid, which is currently facing an injury crisis in its backline. Alonso will be without four key players for the upcoming league fixture. The injury list includes starting right-back Dani Carvajal and fellow centre-back Antonio Rudiger, whose absences have compounded the team’s defensive challenges. Additionally, the club is missing key defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, who is sidelined with a semitendinosus muscle injury in his left leg. His return is not expected until after the upcoming international break, with the target being the match against Elche on November 23. Youngster Franco Mastantuono also remains unavailable. Alaba has been out of action for Madrid’s last four matches due to a strain in his right calf muscle, specifically identified as a soleus injury. This setback occurred at the end of the first half during a league match against Getafe on October 19. His injury, coinciding with Rudiger’s absence, compelled manager Alonso to field a makeshift defensive pairing. He had to rely on a centre-back duo of Eder Militao and 20-year-old summer signing Dean Huijsen. This partnership was further impacted during Alaba’s absence, with Spanish international Huijsen also missing the Champions League match against Juventus, highlighting the precarious lack of depth Alonso has had to navigate. The injury has been a frustrating interruption for Alaba, who has had limited involvement in the 2025-26 campaign. The defender, whose contract expires in 2026, has struggled with consistent fitness and playing time. Before his injury, Alaba had featured in only four matches for Madrid this season, accumulating just 145 minutes on the pitch. His participation has been sporadic, with brief appearances against Real Sociedad and Levante in La Liga, and one start on the second matchday of the Champions League in Almaty. His return to fitness is crucial not only for the team’s immediate needs but also for Alaba himself as he aims to re-establish his role as a cornerstone of Madrid’s defense. Provided he passes Saturday’s final fitness test, Alaba is set to play a role in Sunday’s La Liga encounter at Vallecas. After the match against Rayo Vallecano, Alaba’s immediate focus will shift to international duty, having been called up by manager Ralf Rangnick for a vital international break for Austria. The Austrian national team is on the verge of securing qualification for the next World Cup, an achievement they have not attained in 28 years, with their last appearance in the tournament dating back to 1998 in France. Austria will face Cyprus on Saturday, November 15, followed by a match against Bosnia-Herzegovina on the following Tuesday evening. Alaba’s return to fitness will be a welcome development for Rangnick, who will rely on the defender’s leadership and experience as his side aims to make history.
