David Alaba Faces Six-Week Absence with Knee Injury

Real Madrid faces a deepening defensive crisis as David Alaba has suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee, joining Antonio Rudiger and Ferland Mendy on the sidelines due to injury. Rudiger, in addition to his knee surgery, has been handed a six-match ban following an incident in the Copa del Rey final. With Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao already out long-term, manager Carlo Ancelotti is left with limited defensive options, potentially needing to rely on midfielders or promote youth players for upcoming matches. Alaba, Rudiger, and Mendy are all expected to miss the rest of the domestic season, but could return for the Club World Cup in June. This string of absences comes at a critical time, with Real Madrid battling to close a gap at the top of LaLiga and facing pivotal fixtures against Celta Vigo and Barcelona. Alaba's injuries have also impacted Austria's national team, as he will miss their opening World Cup qualification games.