Real Madrid Lose David Alaba to Injury for Club World Cup

Real Madrid defender David Alaba has been ruled out for the remainder of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 due to a fresh injury to his left calf muscle, compounding his ongoing recovery from a meniscus operation earlier this year. Head coach Xabi Alonso confirmed that Alaba requires more time to recover and cautioned patience in his rehabilitation, with the player sidelined since April. Alaba's injury woes have been persistent, including a severe ACL rupture and multiple other muscle issues, limiting his appearances and raising doubts about his future at Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Juventus will also face injury challenges as key defender Nicolò Savona is out with a high-grade capsular ligament injury, sidelining him for the knockout stages of the tournament. Real Madrid, having topped their group, are set to face Juventus in the round of 16 at Hard Rock Stadium, but both teams will be missing important defensive players. These injury setbacks have forced Real Madrid to reconsider their squad depth and plans during this crucial phase of the tournament.