It’s yet another setback for Real Madrid. Hosting Las Palmas at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday evening, the White House, who suffered a defeat against Atlético in the Madrid derby last weekend (3-1), had the chance to bounce back without Eder Militao, Arda Güler, and Thibaut Courtois, all absent due to injuries sustained earlier in the season.
While Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr were also nursing injuries, they were on the bench under the watchful eye of Carlo Ancelotti at kick-off. However, David Alaba had to leave the pitch after sustaining a physical setback during the match. The Austrian center-back was replaced by Lucas Vazquez in the 41st minute. This is yet another absence in the central defense for the Italian coach.
The injury to Alaba comes at a time when Real Madrid is already dealing with a string of injuries to key players. Eder Militao, who had been forming a formidable partnership with Alaba at the heart of the defense, has been sidelined for several weeks. Arda Güler and Thibaut Courtois, who have been instrumental in the team’s defensive solidity, are also unavailable.
The absence of Alaba will undoubtedly be a blow to Real Madrid’s defensive stability. The Austrian international has been a key figure in the team since his arrival from Bayern Munich in the summer. Known for his versatility and ability to play both as a center-back and a left-back, Alaba’s absence will leave a void in the backline.
Carlo Ancelotti will now have to rely on other options to fill the defensive void left by Alaba’s injury. Nacho Fernandez, who has been a reliable backup option in the past, is likely to step up and take on a more prominent role in the team. Lucas Vazquez, who replaced Alaba during the Las Palmas match, could also be an option in the center-back position.
However, it remains to be seen how Ancelotti will reshuffle his defensive lineup in the absence of Alaba. Real Madrid will need to find a solution quickly, as they face a challenging schedule ahead, with important matches in both domestic and European competitions.
The injury to Alaba serves as a reminder of the physical demands of professional football and the toll it can take on players. With a packed fixture list and intense competition, injuries are an unfortunate but inevitable part of the game. Real Madrid will need to manage their squad effectively and rely on the depth of their squad to navigate through this challenging period.
As the season progresses, Real Madrid will hope for a swift recovery for Alaba and their other injured players. The return of key personnel will be crucial in their pursuit of success in both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. In the meantime, the team will have to dig deep and show resilience in the face of adversity.
Injuries are a test of a team’s character and depth, and Real Madrid will need to rise to the challenge. With the talent and experience at their disposal, they have the ability to overcome these setbacks and continue their pursuit of silverware. The road may be bumpy, but with the right mindset and determination, Real Madrid can still achieve their goals this season.
David Alaba went straight down the tunnel after coming off with an apparent injury in the first half for Real Madrid.
Madrid are already without Éder Militão due to injury.
Their injury woes continue 😨 pic.twitter.com/0CVsYObPaE
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 27, 2023
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