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Enthusiasm at Real Madrid as Defender Advances in Recovery from Injury

Despite enduring a significant knee injury that kept him out for over a year, David Alaba is steadily approaching a comeback to the field.

In the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League Group Stage Matchday 7, Real Madrid C.F. will face off against...
In the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League Group Stage Matchday 7, Real Madrid C.F. will face off against FC Salzburg.

Enthusiasm at Real Madrid as Defender Advances in Recovery from Injury

Real Madrid's defense has been under scrutiny, despite their leading position in La Liga, thanks to the 12 goals they've conceded so far. However, there's a glimmer of hope with the return of a seasoned pro: David Alaba. After tearing his ACL against Villarreal in 2023, Alaba faced a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Initial optimism of his return for some games towards the end of 2023/24 campaign faded, as he wasn't quite ready until January 2025.

Fans held their breath when Alaba first stepped onto the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu pitch as a substitute against Las Palmas, after getting a taste of action in an internal friendly against the club's reserve team. Since then, he's made cameo appearances against Salzburg and Valladolid. With every passing minute, Alaba moves closer to becoming a consistent option for coach Carlo Ancelotti, who's been left with a depleted defensive line due to injuries and departures.

Alaba's return has brought a breath of fresh air to the team's shaky backline, with Relevo claiming that the club is amazed by his swift recovery, even outperforming Militão at his initial comeback in 2024.

Alaba's 12-Month Odyssey

Alaba's perseverance has been truly tested over the past year. Setbacks and injuries forced him to undergo a series of tests to find that his knee hadn't progressed as anticipated. Despite being close to his return date, he faced another blow. Tackling his recovery with renewed determination, Alaba dramatically changed his diet, focusing on foods that would aid scarring and strengthen his knee. Finally, overcoming swelling and inflammation, he joined first team training, steadily regaining his fitness under anticlimactic hype from the club.

Fans have eagerly welcomed Alaba back, lining up to get his autograph in Valladolid before the La Liga game. While Alaba's return has been a major boost for the team, Hridyam Arora, Real Madrid expert at Managing Madrid, indicates that it's not just the player's presence that's making a difference. "When he stepped onto the pitch against Las Palmas – and against Salzburg and Valladolid since – it was as if he never left," arora shares.

Alaba's contributions extend beyond his mere presence, according to Arora. His knack for press resistance and ball progression stands out, offering invaluable support to Real Madrid in their bid for silverware in La Liga, Copa del Rey, and UEFA Champions League.

Ancelotti's Viewpoint

Ancelotti, a longtime admirer of Alaba ever since his time at Bayern Munich, has been optimistic about the defender's recovery. "Little by little, Alaba is starting to play more minutes. He’s very close to his first start," Ancelotti said after Alaba's longest stint yet against Valladolid. Ancelotti emphasized that Alaba's fitness and readiness will dictate his inclusion in the starting lineup, expressing faith in the Austrian star's progress.

As fixtures ramp up in February, Alaba aims to secure a starting spot. Although his impact may not always be visible, his return will play a significant role in bolstering Real Madrid's defensive line – just in time for the business end of the season. How sharp Alaba is when he gets that much-awaited starting slot could potentially give Los Blancos a decisive edge in their quest for silverware.

After expressing optimism about Alaba's recovery, coach Carlo Ancelotti has been eagerly incorporating the defender into Real Madrid's matches. Alaba's return to the starting lineup against Valladolid could provide a significant boost to Real Madrid's defense, which has been under scrutiny despite their leading position in La Liga.

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