Real Madrid defender David Alaba sidelined with fresh injury

Real Madrid has confirmed that defender David Alaba has suffered a fresh injury, which will keep him out of action for 2-3 weeks. The Austrian center-back had only recently returned to the pitch after a year-long absence due to an ACL injury. Alaba’s injury was diagnosed by the club’s medical services, who revealed that he has suffered an adductor muscle injury in his left leg.

The news comes as a significant blow to Real Madrid, who are already dealing with the absence of Antonio Rudiger, who was injured during the team’s recent match against Espanyol. Alaba’s injury will rule him out of several key matches, including the team’s upcoming Copa del Rey clash against Leganes, as well as the La Liga derby against Atletico Madrid and the UCL knockout playoffs against Manchester City.

With Alaba and Rudiger both sidelined, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti will be forced to rely on other options in defense. The team’s only available center-backs are Raul Asencio and Jesus Vallejo, who has fallen out of favor with Ancelotti. The team may also consider using Aurelien Tchouameni as a makeshift defender or relying on academy talents like Jacobo Ramon and Diego Aguado.

In other news, Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin is set to start against Leganes in the team’s upcoming Copa del Rey match. Lunin has already featured in several matches this season, including previous rounds of the Copa del Rey. The Ukrainian shot-stopper will have the opportunity to shine against Leganes, although it is expected that Thibaut Courtois will return to the starting lineup if Real Madrid advances to the semi-finals.

Lunin’s inclusion in the starting lineup reflects Ancelotti’s strategy to manage player rotation effectively. The goalkeeper has earned praise for his work ethic and professionalism and has developed a positive relationship with Courtois and goalkeeping coach Luis Llopis.

The match against Leganes holds sentimental value for Lunin, who previously spent a season on loan with the club during the 2018-19 campaign. Although his stint there was short, the experience helped shape his development as a goalkeeper.