David Alaba sustains ACL injury; Real Madrid will likely sign replacement in January transfer window

Posted by Artie Phelan on Monday, May 6, 2024

Real Madrid defender David Alaba is expected to miss the rest of the 2023-24 season and next summer’s European Championship after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee.

The 31-year-old defender is expected to be out for around eight months, which puts his participation at Euro 2024 in jeopardy as that begins in seven months’ time. Madrid will look to sign a replacement in defence in the January transfer window.

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Alaba sustained the injury during Real’s 4-1 victory over Villarreal on Sunday. He was substituted in the 35th minute of the game and was helped off the pitch by medics.

A statement from the club on Alaba’s injury read: “Following tests carried out on our player David Alaba, he has been diagnosed with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. The player will undergo surgery in the coming days.”

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Alaba’s injury: “The medical report says it’s an ACL injury. It’s a shame, we are very sad. Another player has gone down. I’ve never had three ACL injuries in four months, it’s unbelievable. (Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao).

“We have nothing to do but let the team continue to do what it has done with all the injuries we’ve had. We’ve done even more than everyone thought we would”.

Alaba had made 16 appearances for the club in all competitions this season, providing two assists.

Real will also assess full-back Ferland Mendy tomorrow, after the 28-year-old was substituted during the same game. He was replaced by Fran Garcia with discomfort in his right leg.

(Photo: Getty Images)

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