Real Madrid handed huge injury boost as Carlo Ancelotti confirms key player set to return from sidelines
Real Madrid have been handed a major injury boost with manager Carlo Ancelotti claiming that David Alaba will be back in action soon. The Los Blancos manager has insisted that the Austria international will return to the first team soon.
Various reports in the last few days claimed that Alaba's career could be over because of his knee injury. It was reported that the Real Madrid defender was in a lot of pain due to reduced cartilage in his knee, making the bones rub against each other.
Many reports suggested that the 32-year-old is considering an early retirement as he is unlikely to get back to his best. However, Fabrizio Romano dismissed such rumors on October 15, insisting that the defender's rehabilitation is going as per plans.
Carlo Ancelotti has now confirmed that Alaba will soon make his long-awaited comeback from the sidelines. The Italian said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano:
"David Alaba will be back with the team soon."
Alaba joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2021 on a free transfer after his contract expired at Bayern Munich. After a memorable 12-year stint at the Allianz Arena, he quickly became a key player for Los Blancos too.
However, the Austria international has struggled with consistent injury problems during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu. He has been out of action with an ACL injury since December 2023 and has 87 games in total with various injuries.
The versatile defender has made 102 appearances for Los Blancos till date and has won eight trophies. He won 25 trophies during his long stint at Bayern Munich, making 431 appearances for the Bundesliga giants.
Barcelona and Bayern Munich join the race for Real Madrid target
European giants Bayern Munich and Barcelona have reportedly joined the race to sign Real Madrid target Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Liverpool vice-captain has been strongly linked with a switch to the Santiago Bernabeu with his current deal at Anfield expiring next summer.
Alexander-Arnold has been a key player for Liverpool over the years, having come through the Reds' esteemed youth ranks. He has made 319 appearances for his boyhood club, having contributed with 19 goals and 83 assists.
Alexander-Arnold's contract situation at Anfield is the key reason why Real Madrid are heavily interested in the 26-year-old. However, both Barcelona and Bayern Munich have also joined the race, as claimed by talkSPORT.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are believed to be desperate to tie their star man down with a new deal. The creative right-back has won eight trophies for the Merseyside giants so far.