Real Madrid Star Sidelined by Injury, Misses Rest of Club World Cup

Real Madrid have officially announced that defender David Alaba has sustained another injury, with media reports indicating he will be unavailable for the complete duration of the FIFA Club World Cup.

Alaba picked up a knee problem in early May that has sidelined him continuously since then, though he was included in Madrid's Club World Cup roster with hopes of potentially returning during the tournament's final phases.

These expectations have now been dashed after Madrid revealed that medical personnel have identified a new muscular injury affecting Alaba.

Arancha Rodríguez initially reported that Alaba will require a minimum of four additional weeks for full recovery. The Austrian defender is anticipated to stay with the Madrid traveling party through the conclusion of the Club World Cup.

AS reports that this recent setback involves Alaba's right leg, an area that has been problematic throughout his tenure in Madrid.

Since joining the Santiago Bernabéu as a free agent in 2021, Alaba has been absent for 115 matches across club and international duties due to recurring fitness concerns, with this figure continuing to climb this summer.

His persistent injury troubles, combined with his status as one of the squad's top earners, have led Madrid to consider transfer possibilities, with the club open to receiving bids for the 33-year-old. Nevertheless, Alaba remains determined to stay at the club. His current deal expires in 2026.

While this transfer situation may continue developing over the summer months, Madrid's immediate focus centers on the lack of defensive depth available to Xabi Alonso for the Club World Cup.

Dean Huijsen, Antonio Rüdiger and Raúl Asencio represent the only fit defenders at Alonso's disposal, though he maintains hope that Éder Militão might rejoin the squad later in the competition pending his recovery from injury. The Brazilian endured his second career ACL rupture nearly eight months ago.