Real Madrid News
Key Real Madrid defender poised to make comeback against Las Palmas
Real Madrid are eagerly anticipating the return of David Alaba, with hopes that he will be fit to play in their match against Las Palmas on January 19 at the Santiago Bernabeu, according to recent reports from MARCA.
Alaba, who has been sidelined for over a year due to injury, has shown significant progress in his recovery.
He has been training with the team for a few days now, and the plan is for him to be fully integrated into the squad when they return from their Christmas break on December 30.
If all goes well, Alaba should be available for selection after the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, with the first match post-tournament scheduled for January 19 against Las Palmas.
A look back
Alaba’s injury occurred on December 17, 2023, during a match against Villarreal. The Austrian defender faced a long and challenging recovery process, joining key players like Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao on the treatment table.
Both Courtois and Militao suffered similar cruciate ligament injuries back in August. The long-term absences of these players forced coach Carlo Ancelotti to adjust, leading to the emergence of a new centre-back pairing: Antonio Rudiger and Nacho.
Together, they played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s successes, including their La Liga title and Champions League triumph, with their performances particularly shining in the second leg of the Champions League semi-finals against Bayern Munich.
A key ‘signing’
Alaba’s return to fitness is a huge boost for Ancelotti and will strengthen the team’s defensive options.
His presence will offer more flexibility in the backline, allowing the coach to rotate his defenders more effectively, especially with the recent injury to Militao.
In the absence of Alaba and Militao, Ancelotti had to rely on homegrown talent Raul Asencio to partner with Rudiger for several matches.
Recently, however, the coach has opted to use Aurelien Tchouameni, whose natural position is as a defensive midfielder, as a temporary solution in central defence.
Alaba’s return will provide a much-needed solution to these defensive challenges, giving Ancelotti more depth and choice as he looks to build a solid backline.
After it was confirmed that FC Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo would miss Sunday’s El Clasico against Real Madrid, another player from Hansi Flick’s side is now considered a major doubt for the game.
Indeed, according to Mundo Deportivo, Barça defender Jules Kounde is facing a race against time to be fit for the first Clasico of the 2026/27 season.
Kounde recovering from an ankle injury
Kounde suffered an ankle injury during Barcelona’s previous La Liga game against Real Betis last Saturday away at Estadio de La Cartuja.
The 27-year-old versatile defender was able to complete the match but was seen limping after it was over, and tests on Sunday confirmed a ligament sprain in his ankle.
As a result, the French international was ruled out of Barça’s UEFA Champions League clash against PSG, which they lost 4-2 on Tuesday night.
But, there had been hope that the defender could recover in time for Real Madrid’s visit to the Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday night.
However, now, as per the report, there is great pessimism within the Barcelona coaching and medical staff that Kounde will be able to return in time to face Jose Mourinho’s side.
Mounting problems for Barcelona open door for Real Madrid
As mentioned earlier, Dani Olmo has already been ruled out of Sunday’s game as he suffered an adductor tear during Barcelona’s game against PSG yesterday.
Meanwhile, Eric Garcia is also unavailable due to an injury he sustained against Real Betis over the weekend, while Andreas Christensen and Roony Bardghji will also miss the game.
Now, Kounde, too, appears to be a major doubt for the first Clasico of the season, adding to the problems for Hansi Flick & co.
It is now up to Real Madrid to capitalise on their opponents’ problems and collect all three points at Camp Nou, in a bid to close down the gap at the top of the table to only three points.
Before that though, the focus will be on tonight’s UEFA Champions League clash against RB Leipzig at the Santiago Bernabeu.
