“David Alaba will be back in team training on December 30th and he will be ready to play around mid-January,” affirmed Carlo Ancelotti, who also added: “He’s coming back. It’s an excellent news.” Alaba has been sidelined since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury on December 18, 2023. He has missed 59 games since then, and his anticipated return in mid-January has already delighted the fans. In his absence, players like Aurelien Tchouameni, a defensive midfielder, have been forced to step in at central defense due to the injury crisis.

The situation had sparked considerable concern, especially after Spanish media outlet Onda Cero reported that Alaba might have to retire, citing cartilage damage in his knee and the possibility that he would not return to training. This news sent shockwaves through the soccer world. However, with Ancelotti’s comments, it is clear that the reports were exaggerated, and Real Madrid fans are now eagerly awaiting the reunion of their top central defensive pairing: Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba.

David Alaba’s return to the field will be the energy boost Real Madrid needs to climb back up the Champions League standings, as they are currently in 20th place and would be forced to play a qualifying round to qualify for the round of 16. In addition, they will be able to have more alternatives to rotate minutes between players and be able to compete in LaLiga against Atlético de Madrid and FC Barcelona who are in the league contention.

David Alaba’s impact on Real Madrid

David Alaba joined Real Madrid on a free transfer from Bayern Munich, where he had established himself as one of the best left-sided central defenders following his shift from left-back. His role in Bayern’s defensive setup was so crucial that Real Madrid signed him with the expectation of him being an immediate starter and making a significant impact.

Alaba’s arrival at Madrid was somewhat hindered by a series of muscular issues, which kept him out of a few matches. However, before suffering his ACL injury, he had already begun to make a difference, partnering with Antonio Rudiger in central defense and relegating the previously starting Eder Militao to the bench. His return promises to bring greater defensive stability and improved ball distribution to the team. Alaba’s wealth of experience will be key in enhancing Real Madrid’s overall performance as they aim for success in the second half of the season.

At 32, the veteran defender is without any doubt the most famous player in his country, which is why his absence takes many by surprise. However, he’s been injured for months now.

Alaba was ruled out for this year’s European Championship due to an ACL injury sustained in December 2023, which is why he’s not playing for Austria against Turkey today.

The former Bayern Munich defender ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament on his left knee during Real Madrid’s 4-1 LaLiga victory over Villarreal on December 17, 2023. Only 35 minutes into the match, Alaba had to be subbed off for Nacho.

Who will Austria or Turkey play in the Euro 2024 quarterfinals?

Austria and Turkey find themselves on the so-called “easiest” side of the bracket, even if there are no easy games in the European Championship. The winner of this clash will take on the Netherlands on Saturday, July 6, in Berlin.

England and Switzerland will face off for the other semifinal spot, with the other side of the bracket looking much tougher: on Friday, Spain will play Germany before Portugal take on France.

David Alaba was expected to be the leader and main pillar for Austria in Euro 2024. For several years, he has been the most notable player on the Central European team. His outstanding performances led him to play for Real Madrid, the current champions of the Champions League, where he continued to demonstrate his talent.

Alaba has been key in the rebirth of Austria on the international stage. Accustomed to bad results and early eliminations since the beginning of the new century, the Austrians have recently regained some prestige, with David Alaba being one of the fundamental players in this resurgence.

David Alaba out of Euro 2024

David Alaba suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee about six months ago and has not yet been cleared to play. Consequently, he missed the crucial final stretch of the season for Real Madrid, during which they won both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.

Despite this setback, the 31-year-old defender chose to accompany the Austrian delegation throughout their participation in the Euro Cup, serving as a reference and captain for the team. The Austrian coach greatly valued this commitment from the “Merengue” defender.

The fans were so angry that they even started a hashtag #AlabaOut, calling for the 30-year-old defender to be sold and dropped from the squad. Alaba only joined Real Madrid in 2021 and has featured in 75 matches.

Overall this season in LaLiga, Alaba has played in 29 games and scored 2 goals. After the backlash the former Bayern Munich star had to issue a statement as to why he voted the way he did.

David Alaba explains why he voted for Lionel Messi

In a tweet amid the fury of the Real Madrid fans, David Alaba stated, “Regarding FIFA The Best Award: The Austrian national team vote for this award as a team, not me alone. Everyone in the team council is able to vote and that’s how it’s decided.Everyone knows, especially Karim, how much I admire him and his performances.”

Alaba continued in a second tweet, “I have often said that for me (Karim Benzema) is the best striker in the world, and that is still the case. Without doubt.” To which bot or spam accounts began to attack the defender with one dubious account tweeting, “Leave Madrid, simple, you just did the unforgivable”.

Xavi Hernandez‘s men were incredibly dominant at the Santiago Bernabeu and went on to record a memorable 4-0 victory, a shameful result for the hosts. Carlo Ancelotti‘s side was on an eight-game unbeaten run in the league,which is why its embarassing performance took everyone by surprise.

Madrid not only were in great form in La Liga but they have also made a statement in Europe by turning things around against PSG in an epic comeback triumph. This derby defeat was not in their plans, which is why many players came out to apologize to the fans.

David Alaba, Thibaut Courtois among the Real Madrid players embarrassed by the Barcelona loss

Shortly after the final whistle, many Madrid fans left their seats quickly to try and forget what they’ve just witnessed. But some players stayed on the pitch while the spectators left the stadium.

David Alaba, Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, and Federico Valverde were seen walking around the field to apologize to those fans who were still on the stands. Real Madrid suffered a brutal loss and they knew it.

A day later, Alaba has also reflected on the defeat and took to Twitter to send a candid message to all the Merengues: “Last night hurt. Defeats are part of football but this one is hard to take. It was a big disappointment for us and I’m incredibly sorry for all you Madridistas.

We’re disappointed with our performance yesterday and all we can do after the international break is step it up and work that much harder to make up for it and keep playing the season the way we have been.¡Hala Madrid! ¡Hasta el final!”

Losing by four to the lifelong rivals is not the best way to head into the international break. However, it’s time for Real Madrid to prepare themselves and come back stronger when they visit Celta on April 2.

Despite the attention that any soccer campaign requires, clubs start thinking about the next year way before it begins. The players’ contracts are one reason why that occurs. Thosewhose deals expire in July are enabled to sign for any other team six months earlierand to avoid that happeningteams needto act fast.

As the end of the season will be taking place in a couple of months,several superstarsmay become free agentsthis summer, with their contracts running out at the end of June. Here, we’ll break down the best of them, placing them in a lineup, with the information regarding their maket values provided by TransferMarkt. Check out who are those amazing players.

Gianluigi Donnarumma – (Goalkeeper)

Gianluigi Donnarumma has only 22 years of age but his amazing experience at such an important team like Milan makes him look like a much older goalkeeper. He appeared for the first time with the Rossoneri’sbeing a 16-year-oldand went on to hold onto the starting role for the next years. The Italian keeper amassed 243 matches, impressive numbers for a player with his age.

However, his time with Milan may be coming to an end soon. Donnarumma’s contract expires on June 30, 2021, and unless he signs a new deal before that date, it would turn him into the best free-agent goalkeeperahead of the 2021-2022 season. His market value is€60 million.

Elseid Hysaj – (Right-Back)

The right-back’s contract with Napoli will come to an end at the end of the season. He looks like the best candidate for this position in free agency, after featuring for more than 200 games for the Serie A team. The Albanian defendercan also perform at the left-back, andhe candeliver both a solid defense and a threat in offense joining the attack.

His market value is tagged at €14 million, so bringing him in for no cost at all would be huge. There aren’t many other outstanding options in his position, and Hysaj looks like the best prospect for a free transfer this summer.

Sergio Ramos – (Centre-Back)

The Spain national teamand Real Madrid’s legend is among the most interesting players to enter free agency at the end of the season. Sergio Ramos’ contract runs out on June 30, and after 16 seasons, which included multiple achievements, he may leave Los Blancos to pursue another challenge in the final years of his career.

One of the best defenders – if not the greatest – in the world,Ramos would be the best signing for any team that completes the move withoutpaying any transfer fee at all. Even though his market value is stated to be€14 million, mainly due to his age, this defender has been ruling the game for a long time and remains one of the best at his job.

Jerome Boateng – (Centre-Back)

The German’s deal with the mighty Bayern Munich is set to be over at the end of this season, which in case that it finally happens, would enable a world-class defender for a free transfer. Jerome Boateng is turning 33 this year, but he would still be a huge boost for any interested candidate.

As he became an older player his market value went down to €10 million, but there’s a huge difference if his signing could be made paying only his salary. Boateng still has at least a couple of years left to shine at the top level, let’s see who will be the lucky ones to take advantage of that.

David Alaba – (Left-Back)

Frequently linked with Real Madrid in the last transfer windows, David Alaba is the other great option that willbe available for a free transfer this summer. The Austrian had a huge development in his game and performed as a central back lately, being a solid piece at the back of Bayern’s incredibly successful team.

Unlike the other defenders on this lineup, Alaba’s market value ishigh, being €55 million. As he can provide at different positions of the defense and only has 28 years of age, he is a big name for the upcoming season. Will he finally makea permanent move to Madrid?

Georginio Wijnaldum – (Center Midfielder)

The Dutch became a key piece at Liverpool‘s midfield, asides from creating unforgettable memories with the Reds. The Champions League and Premier League champion earned an important place in Jurgen Klopp’s side in a difficult battle for a starting role against other great players.

However, compatriot Ronald Koeman has been trying to sign him for Barcelona ever since he started to be in charge of the Cules. With only a few months remaining on his deal with Liverpool– it expires on June 30 – Wijnaldum could be making a huge step in joining Koeman at the Blaugranas.

Luka Modric – (CenterMidfielder)

Luka Modric’s time with Real Madrid could be over at the end of June, after extremely successful seasons that included Champions League andLa Liga trophies, among many others. Despite his 35 years of age – to become 36 in September – the Croatian hasn’t lost his talent at all and remains an incredible midfielder.

And bringing him in for no transfer cost at all would be a perfect move. With several recognitions, such as The Best award under his belt, Modric would be the perfect fit for any team that can afford him in summer.

Julian Draxler – (Offensive Midfielder)

Many playershave a lot of talent but struggle to show it. Julian Draxler is one incredibly giftedstar that couldn’t earn a place in PSG‘s starting lineup, despite he proved to have what’s necessary for it. The German’s contract with the Parisian side will run out on June 30, and it may give him a deserved opportunity to bounce back in his career.

Due to his latest performances, many teams maybe wouldn’t be keen to invest so much money in him, but for free, it would make a lot of sense going for it. Just remembering the player he used to be with Schalke 04, Wolfsburg, or even in some games with Paris,could be enoughfor trusting in Draxler.

Lionel Messi – (Right-Winger)

If his contract with Barcelona is finally over at the end of this season, he would be themost desired free agent without a doubt. Arguably the greatest player in the world, Messi‘s fantasticspell with the Catalans may be over in a couple of months, with his dealset to expire on June 30. His future is one of the most thrilling topics ever since he almost left the Blaugranas before the 2020/21 season. He ended up staying for one more year, but it may have been Messi’s last dance with the Cules.

Unless he puts pen to paper to a new contract, the Argentine superstar is going to have multiple offers over the table for the next season. The 33-year-old had suffered from all the setbacks he and Barcelona faced over the recent years, and this summer could be crucial for a change in his career.

Sergio Aguero – (Striker)

While other players are still uncertain whether they’ll continue with their current teams or not, El Kun already knows he won’t stay with Manchester City. Both parties have announced the Argentine’s contract wouldn’t be renewed after June 30, and the striker is already linked with multiple important teams.

Although he struggled with injuries in the last seasons, the 32-year-oldremains one of the best strikers in the world, despite he has to overcome the physical issues that cursedhim lately. Aguero has wonderful goals and breathtaking performances under his belt, and with a market value of €25 million, the one whosigns him for free will be very lucky.

Memphis Depay – (Left-Winger)

With 27 years of age and his contract with Olympique Lyon running out on June 30, Memphis Depay looks like a veryinteresting option for a free transfer. His market value is reported to be €45 million, and the stage of his career couldn’t be better.

The Dutch forwardimpressedover the last seasons but still couldn’t make a move to a more important team from the region. Like it happened with Wijnaldum, Koeman wanted to sign him soon after arriving to Barcelona. Will he fulfill that dream at the end of the season? It seems like the perfect moment for it, but there will probably be manycompetitors interested in Depay.