Real Madrid has received a crucial boost to its defensive lineup as David Alaba has returned to group training and is expected to be included in the squad for the upcoming match against Rayo Vallecano, according to a report from AS. The 33-year-old defender’s comeback offers a timely solution for the manager, whose roster has been significantly impacted by injuries, particularly in the defensive sector. During Friday’s training session at Valdebebas, Alaba participated in most group exercises, with reports indicating that his recovery is progressing positively. He is anticipated to complete Saturday’s final training session without any issues and is likely to be named in coach Alonso’s squad for the trip to Vallecas. The return of the seasoned centre-back is a critical development for Real Madrid, which has been grappling with an injury crisis in its backline. Alonso will be without four key players for the forthcoming league fixture, including starting right-back Dani Carvajal and fellow centre-back Antonio Rudiger, who have both exacerbated the team’s defensive challenges. Additionally, the club is also missing key defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, who recently sustained a semitendinosus muscle injury in his left leg and is not expected to return until after the upcoming international break. His target for a return is reportedly set for the match against Elche on November 23. Youngster Franco Mastantuono is also unavailable due to injury. Alaba has been sidelined for Real Madrid’s last four matches due to a strain in his right calf muscle, classified as a soleus injury. This setback occurred during the first half of the league match against Getafe on October 19. His injury, alongside Rudiger’s absence, compelled Alonso to deploy a makeshift defensive pairing. The manager has had to utilize a centre-back partnership comprising Eder Militao and 20-year-old summer signing Dean Huijsen. This pairing has faced additional challenges due to the absence of Spanish international Huijsen, who also missed the Champions League match against Juventus, underscoring the team’s precarious lack of depth in defense. The injury has been a frustrating setback for Alaba, who has had limited impact on the 2025-26 season. The defender, whose contract is set to expire in 2026, has struggled with consistent fitness and playing time. Prior to his injury, he had participated in only four matches for Madrid this season, accumulating a mere 145 minutes of playing time. His contributions have been sporadic, featuring primarily as a substitute against Real Sociedad and Levante in La Liga, with a single start during the second matchday of the Champions League in Almaty. His return to full fitness is vital not only for the team’s immediate needs but also for Alaba himself as he seeks to re-establish his role as a cornerstone of the Madrid defense. If Alaba successfully passes Saturday’s final fitness test, he is poised to earn minutes in Sunday’s La Liga match against Vallecas. Following this fixture, his focus will shift to international duty, as he has been called up by manager Ralf Rangnick for a significant international break for Austria. Austria is on the brink of securing qualification for the next World Cup, a feat they have not accomplished in 28 years, with their last appearance in the tournament occurring in 1998 in France. Austria will face Cyprus on Saturday, November 15, followed by a match against Bosnia-Herzegovina the subsequent Tuesday evening. Alaba’s return to fitness will be a welcome development for Rangnick, who will depend on his captain’s leadership and experience as the national team aims to make history.
